28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.12 percent of the residents in 28636 has some form of health insurance. 43.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.55 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 28636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28636. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,001 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,731 health care providers accessible to residents in 28636, Hiddenite, North Carolina.

Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28636 and Primary Care Availability in Hiddenite

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28636, encompassing the community of Hiddenite, requires a multifaceted approach. We must evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, specifically regarding their capacity to manage asthma, considering the prevalence of this respiratory condition and the unique challenges faced in a rural setting. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all critical factors in determining an "Asthma Score" for this area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can significantly impede access to care, leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of asthma symptoms, and increased hospitalizations. In Hiddenite, a rural area, this ratio is likely to be less favorable than in more urban centers. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, cross-referencing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code with the population size. This data will be a critical piece in formulating the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This includes practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, adhere to established guidelines for asthma treatment, and effectively utilize patient-centered care models. Key indicators of a standout practice include the implementation of comprehensive asthma action plans, regular monitoring of lung function, and the provision of patient education on triggers and medication adherence. Further, practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments, improving accessibility, should be given higher consideration. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and professional accreditations provides valuable insights into the quality of care offered by individual practices.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in a rural setting. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients in Hiddenite to access specialist consultations and follow-up appointments without the need for extensive travel. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who may require regular monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine hinges on several factors. These include reliable internet access, patient and provider comfort with technology, and the availability of necessary equipment for remote monitoring, such as peak flow meters and spirometers. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in the area and their proficiency in its use is essential.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital component of the Asthma Score. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and untreated mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms and lead to poor adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is critical. Evaluating the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the community and the degree to which primary care physicians collaborate with these specialists is necessary. The Asthma Score must reflect the degree of integration of mental health services into the overall healthcare ecosystem.

To calculate the Asthma Score, a weighted scoring system is required. The physician-to-patient ratio should carry significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources should also contribute significantly to the score. Each factor should be assigned a numerical value based on its perceived impact on asthma management. For instance, a practice with a dedicated asthma educator and a high rate of patient adherence to treatment plans would receive a higher score than a practice without these resources. The final Asthma Score would be a composite value, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within ZIP code 28636.

The specific practices within Hiddenite require individual assessment. The Hiddenite Family Practice, for example, might be the only primary care provider. If so, its Asthma Score will heavily influence the overall community score. Evaluating this practice will require a deep dive into their asthma management protocols, their patient education materials, and their access to specialist referrals. The practice's willingness to embrace telemedicine and integrate mental health services will also be crucial.

In addition to the primary care providers, it is essential to consider the availability of specialist care. While primary care physicians are typically responsible for the initial management of asthma, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require referral to a pulmonologist or allergist. The proximity of specialist care, and the ease with which primary care physicians can refer patients, will impact the Asthma Score. This includes assessing travel times to specialists in neighboring towns and the efficiency of the referral process.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score must consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and housing conditions can all exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder access to care. The analysis should consider the prevalence of these factors within the community and the extent to which healthcare providers are addressing these social determinants of health. This might include offering financial assistance programs, providing transportation to appointments, or collaborating with community organizations to address housing issues.

The final Asthma Score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used. The score should be easily understood by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The analysis should also identify areas for improvement and recommend strategies for enhancing asthma care in Hiddenite. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of asthma care in ZIP code 28636, encompassing Hiddenite, requires a thorough assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis should culminate in an Asthma Score that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care.

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