28669, Roaring River, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.65 percent of the residents in 28669 has some form of health insurance. 35.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.49 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 28669 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 496 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28669. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Roaring River, NC (ZIP Code 28669)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, in Roaring River, NC (ZIP Code 28669) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the practices of local doctors, and explore the integration of telehealth and mental health resources. The aim is to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking based on these factors, offering insights for residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on readily available primary care. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly hinder timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. In Roaring River, determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio necessitates data collection from local hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Publicly available databases like the North Carolina Medical Board can offer some information on physician licensing and practice locations, but accurate patient population data is crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, would negatively impact the Asthma Score. Conversely, a favorable ratio, with a sufficient number of primary care physicians, would positively influence the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by local physicians is paramount. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management will receive higher marks. This involves evaluating adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Key indicators include the frequency of spirometry testing, the prescription of appropriate medications (including both rescue inhalers and controller medications), and patient education regarding asthma triggers and self-management techniques. Practices that actively engage in asthma education programs, offer personalized asthma action plans, and regularly monitor patient outcomes will be considered superior.

Identifying standout practices within the Roaring River area requires a deeper dive. This involves researching individual physician profiles, reviewing patient testimonials (where available), and assessing the infrastructure of each practice. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs would be viewed favorably. Furthermore, practices that have invested in advanced technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication and data tracking, would likely receive higher scores. The presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant asset, as these professionals can provide specialized education and support to patients.

The integration of telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural areas like Roaring River. Telehealth can overcome geographical barriers, enabling patients to access consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments remotely. Practices that have adopted telemedicine platforms, allowing for virtual visits and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, would receive a higher Asthma Score. This is particularly important for patients with severe asthma or those who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication with specialists, such as pulmonologists, who may not be readily available in the immediate area.

Recognizing the significant link between asthma and mental health is crucial. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and these conditions, in turn, can worsen asthma symptoms. The availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is therefore a critical factor in the Asthma Score. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, offer on-site counseling services, or provide referrals to mental health specialists would be viewed more favorably. Integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care is also a positive indicator.

Based on the above criteria, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28669 can be conceptualized. The score would be a composite measure, with each factor contributing a weighted percentage. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might account for 20%, adherence to asthma guidelines 30%, telemedicine adoption 20%, and mental health resources 30%. The specific weighting would be determined based on the relative importance of each factor.

To determine the final Asthma Score, a comprehensive data collection process is required. This involves gathering information from various sources, including local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and patient surveys. The data would then be analyzed, and each practice would be assigned a score based on its performance across the identified criteria. The practices would then be ranked, providing a clear indication of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Roaring River.

The availability of primary care in Roaring River plays a crucial role in the overall Asthma Score. The geographic isolation of the area, combined with potential shortages of healthcare providers, could negatively impact the score. Addressing this issue requires strategic interventions, such as recruiting and retaining physicians, expanding telehealth services, and improving access to specialist care.

The final Asthma Score would provide valuable information for residents of Roaring River, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also serve as a benchmark for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. The score would also offer valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators, enabling them to develop targeted interventions to improve asthma care in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Roaring River, including the location of physician practices, the distribution of asthma prevalence, and the availability of mental health resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize and analyze complex healthcare data, offering a powerful tool for understanding and improving asthma care in your community.