28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.55 percent of the residents in 28630 has some form of health insurance. 39.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.19 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 28630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,683 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28630. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,069 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,880 health care providers accessible to residents in 28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina.

Granite Falls, North Carolina, nestled within the 28630 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare, particularly regarding asthma management and primary care access. An "Asthma Score" analysis, though not a standardized metric, allows for a comprehensive evaluation of resources, accessibility, and quality of care available to residents. This analysis considers several factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of effective asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Granite Falls, and the surrounding Caldwell County, is a crucial starting point. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care. However, simply knowing the raw numbers isn't enough. We must consider the distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Are there enough primary care physicians (PCPs) to act as gatekeepers and coordinate care, including asthma management? Specialty care, like pulmonology, is also vital for asthma patients, especially those with severe or uncontrolled disease. The availability of these specialists, and their proximity to the patient population, significantly impacts the Asthma Score. A shortage of either PCPs or pulmonologists would negatively affect the score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased hospitalizations.

Identifying "standout practices" is key to understanding the quality of care. This involves assessing practices known for their expertise in asthma management. Do they offer comprehensive asthma education programs? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for treatment? Do they have a strong focus on patient self-management, empowering individuals to take control of their condition? Practices that consistently demonstrate these qualities would contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, practices lacking these features would detract from the overall assessment. Reviews, patient testimonials, and clinical outcomes data, if available, are essential for identifying these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Granite Falls. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely. For asthma patients, this can mean virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible care options, would receive a higher score. The level of technological infrastructure in the area, including reliable internet access, also plays a role. Without robust connectivity, telemedicine's impact is limited. Practices that offer telehealth services and have a good understanding of the local internet access situation would be considered more effective.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who understand the complexities of asthma and its impact on mental health is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care plans, or have established referral networks with mental health providers, would enhance the Asthma Score. A lack of these resources would negatively impact the overall assessment.

In the context of Granite Falls, the specific practices and their offerings need to be evaluated. Are there any practices with specialized asthma clinics? Do any offer comprehensive patient education programs, including asthma action plans and inhaler technique training? Do they actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives? These factors would all contribute to a higher Asthma Score. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated respiratory therapy department would also be a positive factor, providing access to acute care when needed.

Furthermore, primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. The ease with which patients can access a PCP, including appointment availability and wait times, significantly influences the Asthma Score. Practices with readily available appointments and a patient-centered approach would be viewed favorably. The availability of after-hours care, such as urgent care clinics or on-call physicians, also contributes to the overall accessibility of primary care.

The specific practices in Granite Falls and their approaches to telemedicine must be assessed. Do they offer virtual consultations for asthma follow-ups? Can patients monitor their symptoms remotely and share data with their physicians? The level of technological integration and the ease of use for patients would be crucial. Practices that have invested in user-friendly telehealth platforms and are actively utilizing them would receive a higher score.

The availability of mental health resources, specifically those tailored to asthma patients, needs to be thoroughly investigated. Are there any therapists or counselors in the area who specialize in treating patients with chronic respiratory conditions? Do practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The integration of mental health services into asthma care is a key indicator of a comprehensive and patient-centered approach.

In conclusion, an "Asthma Score" analysis for doctors in ZIP code 28630 and primary care availability in Granite Falls requires a multi-faceted approach. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all play critical roles. By evaluating these factors, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be developed, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. This analysis emphasizes the importance of accessible, high-quality care for asthma patients in Granite Falls.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify practices, and understand the geographical accessibility of care in Granite Falls, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore how CartoChrome can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.