28640, Jefferson, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28640, Jefferson, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.50 percent of the residents in 28640 has some form of health insurance. 41.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.87 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 28640 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 776 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28640. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,263 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 28640, Jefferson, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28640 and Primary Care in Jefferson, North Carolina

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28640, encompassing the town of Jefferson, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians, specifically considering their capacity to manage asthma, and evaluates the broader healthcare ecosystem that supports asthma sufferers. An "Asthma Score," though not a formal, standardized metric, will be constructed based on factors impacting asthma management within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of good asthma care rests on accessible primary care. In Jefferson, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first consideration. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed care. This, in turn, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalizations. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 28640 is essential, utilizing data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other relevant sources. This data point will significantly influence the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is vital. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or providers with specific training in asthma management? Practices that offer comprehensive care, including pulmonary function testing, asthma education, and personalized action plans, will score higher. Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. This involves reviewing online patient reviews, assessing practice websites for information on asthma services, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their approach to asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption presents another significant factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, making it easier for patients, especially those in rural areas like Jefferson, to access care. Practices offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments can improve asthma management. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration within primary care practices in 28640 is a key component of the Asthma Score. This involves researching which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services provided, and the ease of access for patients.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and impact overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Are there mental health professionals within primary care practices? Are there readily accessible mental health services in Jefferson, such as counseling or psychiatric care? The presence of integrated mental health services will positively influence the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care is essential. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists or allergists is crucial for complex cases or those requiring specialized treatment. Determining the proximity of specialists, including their acceptance of new patients and their expertise in asthma management, is a critical element in the Asthma Score analysis. This involves identifying the nearest specialists, assessing their credentials, and understanding their referral processes.

Medication access is another key consideration. The Asthma Score must account for the availability of asthma medications. Are pharmacies readily accessible within Jefferson? Are there any issues with medication shortages or affordability? The ease of access to necessary medications significantly impacts asthma control.

The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of asthma education resources. Does the local health department or other community organizations offer asthma education programs? Are there educational materials available in multiple languages, catering to the diverse needs of the community? Access to educational resources empowers patients to manage their condition effectively.

To calculate the Asthma Score, each of these factors would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of dedicated asthma specialists might receive higher weights than the availability of educational materials. The score would then be calculated based on the performance of the healthcare system in each of these areas.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in 28640 is not a static exercise. The healthcare system is constantly evolving. Regular updates to the Asthma Score are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Continuous monitoring ensures that the Asthma Score accurately reflects the current state of asthma care in Jefferson.

The creation of an accurate Asthma Score requires detailed data collection and analysis. This includes gathering information on physician practices, telemedicine offerings, mental health resources, medication access, and educational programs. This information can be obtained through various sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board, local health departments, practice websites, and patient surveys.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Jefferson, North Carolina, for asthma management requires a comprehensive approach. The Asthma Score, developed through careful analysis of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other key factors, provides a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis aims to highlight the critical elements influencing asthma care within the 28640 ZIP code.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources available in Jefferson, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the healthcare landscape, aiding in a more informed assessment of asthma care accessibility.