28670, Ronda, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28670, Ronda, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.83 percent of the residents in 28670 has some form of health insurance. 36.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.95 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 28670 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 698 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28670. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 492 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 28670, Ronda, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Ronda, NC (ZIP Code 28670)

This analysis provides an Asthma Score assessment for medical professionals and primary care resources within Ronda, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28670), focusing on factors crucial for asthma management. The assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all critical components of comprehensive asthma care.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in readily accessible primary care. Ronda, a rural community, presents unique challenges in this regard. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside publicly available physician directories, should be utilized to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the specified ZIP code and the estimated patient population. A lower physician-to-patient ratio indicates potentially better access to care, enabling shorter wait times and more personalized attention. However, the actual impact hinges on factors beyond sheer numbers.

The quality and characteristics of the primary care practices themselves significantly influence asthma management. Practices offering comprehensive asthma care often incorporate spirometry testing (a measure of lung function) and patient education programs. Identifying practices that proactively offer these services is crucial. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care or on-call physicians is a critical factor. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and prompt access to medical attention is essential for preventing serious complications. This analysis will investigate which practices within 28670 provide this level of support.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in Ronda is a significant indicator of accessibility. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. This analysis will examine the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations, including the types of services offered (e.g., medication refills, follow-up appointments) and the ease of use for patients. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the telemedicine capabilities and the overall asthma score.

Asthma and mental health are inextricably linked. The chronic nature of asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Conversely, mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the Ronda area. It will also assess whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The presence of support groups or educational programs focused on the psychological aspects of asthma would further enhance the overall asthma score.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care will be highlighted. This includes practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, offering spirometry testing, providing after-hours care, actively utilizing telemedicine, and integrating mental health services. These practices serve as models for others in the community and can contribute to a higher overall asthma score for Ronda.

The assessment will also consider the availability of specialized care. While primary care forms the foundation, access to pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) and allergists (specialists in allergies) is crucial for patients with complex asthma cases. The proximity of these specialists, either within Ronda or in nearby towns, will be factored into the overall score. The ability to refer patients to these specialists efficiently is a crucial indicator of a well-coordinated healthcare system.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider patient education resources. Practices that provide educational materials on asthma management, including medication use, trigger avoidance, and action plans, are more likely to empower patients to effectively manage their condition. The availability of these resources, in both English and any other prevalent languages in the community, will be assessed.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each of these factors. The weighting will be based on the relative importance of each factor in effective asthma management. The score will provide a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare resources available in Ronda, NC, allowing for targeted improvements.

This analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on asthma outcomes. Factors such as housing quality, access to transportation, and socioeconomic status can significantly influence asthma control. While these factors are not directly related to healthcare services, their influence will be acknowledged in the assessment.

The analysis will leverage publicly available data sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and local health department resources. Data will be verified and cross-referenced to ensure accuracy. The final Asthma Score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents of Ronda to understand the quality of asthma care available in their community.

Finally, this analysis acknowledges that healthcare is a dynamic system. The availability of resources and the quality of care can change over time. Therefore, the Asthma Score should be considered a snapshot in time and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ongoing assessment will ensure that the residents of Ronda have access to the best possible asthma care.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ronda, NC, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for a comprehensive geospatial analysis of healthcare resources, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers.