28659, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28659, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.43 percent of the residents in 28659 has some form of health insurance. 43.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.13 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 28659 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,881 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28659. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,070 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,273 health care providers accessible to residents in 28659, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: North Wilkesboro, NC (ZIP Code 28659)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within North Wilkesboro, NC (ZIP Code 28659), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an overall "Asthma Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to individuals managing asthma within this specific geographic area.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is consistent primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is therefore a critical factor. Data on the number of practicing PCPs within ZIP code 28659, and the surrounding areas, needs to be gathered. This includes physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics. This data will be used to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates better access to care. A low ratio, on the other hand, could signify potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of primary care practices available matter. Are there large, multi-specialty groups, or are most practices smaller, solo operations? Larger groups often offer advantages, such as extended hours, on-site diagnostic services, and a broader range of specialists for referrals. The presence of pediatricians is particularly crucial, as asthma is a common childhood illness. Furthermore, the availability of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists within a reasonable distance is essential for specialized asthma care.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond the basic metrics. We need to assess the quality of care provided. This includes examining factors like patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the availability of asthma education programs. Practices that proactively offer asthma action plans, provide regular follow-up appointments, and educate patients on proper inhaler technique are likely to have better patient outcomes. Reviews and testimonials from patients can also offer valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve asthma management, especially in rural areas like North Wilkesboro. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of asthma symptoms. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in the area is a key indicator. Are practices utilizing virtual visits for routine check-ups, medication refills, and asthma education? The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data directly to the physician, could also be a positive factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care for patients with asthma.

Asthma is often associated with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. The integration of mental health resources into primary care practices is therefore crucial. Are practices screening patients for mental health issues? Do they have on-site mental health professionals, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and provide comprehensive care are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

To develop an "Asthma Score" for North Wilkesboro, we need to assign weights to each of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized asthma care (allergists and pulmonologists), the quality of care provided by primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources will all be considered. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care available within the area. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

In the absence of readily available, comprehensive data, it's difficult to provide a definitive Asthma Score. However, the process outlined above provides a framework for a thorough assessment. To gain a more precise understanding, data collection would be necessary. This would involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing public health data, and analyzing patient satisfaction surveys.

The analysis of healthcare accessibility and quality in North Wilkesboro, NC, reveals a need for continuous improvement. While the specifics of the physician-to-patient ratio and the extent of telemedicine adoption require further investigation, the importance of comprehensive care, including mental health resources, is undeniable. The focus should be on enhancing access to primary care, promoting evidence-based asthma management, and integrating mental health services to improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in North Wilkesboro and surrounding areas, and to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual aid for understanding the availability of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the potential impact of geographic barriers on access to care.