28682, Terrell, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28682, Terrell, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.19 percent of the residents in 28682 has some form of health insurance. 39.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.29 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 28682 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 289 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28682. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 298 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,431 health care providers accessible to residents in 28682, Terrell, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28682 and Primary Care Availability in Terrell, North Carolina**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28682, focusing on factors pertinent to asthma management, specifically considering the context of Terrell, North Carolina. The objective is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive asthma care.

Terrell, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower physician densities compared to urban centers. This sparsity can significantly impact asthma patients, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and readily available access to care during exacerbations.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges**

Determining an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for 28682 requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, based on general trends in rural areas, it is likely that the PCP-to-patient ratio in Terrell is higher than the national average. This means that each PCP likely serves a larger patient population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time per patient during consultations. This directly impacts asthma patients, who need timely access to their physicians to monitor their condition and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Even if the overall ratio appears acceptable, the physical distance patients must travel to reach a physician’s office can be a significant barrier, particularly for those with severe asthma or limited transportation options. This can lead to delayed care, increased emergency room visits, and poorer asthma control.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key aspects. Firstly, practices that actively participate in asthma-specific education and management programs are highly valued. This includes providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and self-management strategies. Practices that employ certified asthma educators are particularly beneficial.

Secondly, the availability of on-site diagnostic testing, such as spirometry, is crucial for accurate asthma diagnosis and monitoring. Practices that offer this service streamline the care process and reduce the need for patients to travel to specialists.

Thirdly, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential for efficient care coordination. EHRs facilitate communication between PCPs, specialists, and pharmacies, ensuring that all healthcare providers have access to the patient's medical history and treatment plan. This is especially important for asthma patients, who often require coordinated care from multiple providers.

Finally, practices that prioritize patient communication and offer extended hours or weekend appointments are more accessible and patient-centered. This is especially important for asthma patients, who may experience exacerbations outside of regular office hours.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Bridge**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address access challenges in rural areas like Terrell. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This can significantly reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel expenses.

The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access in the patient's home and the physician's comfort level with virtual consultations. Practices that offer telemedicine should also have clear protocols for handling urgent situations and ensuring patient privacy.

**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Component**

Asthma can significantly impact mental health. Chronic illness, the fear of exacerbations, and the limitations imposed by the condition can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care.

Practices that screen patients for mental health concerns and provide referrals to mental health professionals are highly valued. Ideally, these practices would have on-site mental health providers or established partnerships with local mental health clinics. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals ensures that patients receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.

**Asthma Score Assessment: Considerations**

Based on the factors discussed, an "Asthma Score" for 28682 would be determined by evaluating the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** The lower the ratio (more physicians per patient), the higher the score.
* **Geographic Distribution:** Practices located closer to the patient population receive a higher score.
* **Asthma-Specific Programs:** Practices with asthma education programs and certified educators receive a higher score.
* **Diagnostic Testing:** Practices offering on-site spirometry receive a higher score.
* **EHR Adoption:** Practices utilizing EHRs receive a higher score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices offering telemedicine services receive a higher score.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Practices with mental health screening and referral programs receive a higher score.
* **Practice Accessibility:** Practices with extended hours and weekend appointments receive a higher score.

Each of these factors would be weighted based on their relative importance to asthma management. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within the ZIP code.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

The availability and quality of primary care in Terrell, North Carolina, directly impacts the well-being of asthma patients. Addressing physician shortages, improving access to care, and promoting the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources are crucial steps toward providing comprehensive asthma care.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28682 and to visualize the geographic distribution of physicians, practices, and resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights into healthcare access and can help patients and providers make informed decisions about their care.