28684, Todd, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28684, Todd, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.84 percent of the residents in 28684 has some form of health insurance. 36.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.22 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 28684 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 152 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28684. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 497 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 428 health care providers accessible to residents in 28684, Todd, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28684 and Primary Care in Todd, NC

This analysis examines the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 28684, which encompasses the town of Todd, North Carolina, with a specific focus on primary care resources. We will assess factors influencing asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive asthma care. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28684 requires detailed data, including the number of practicing physicians, their specializations (with a focus on primary care physicians and pulmonologists), and the population of the ZIP code. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation. The analysis must also consider the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, as even a favorable ratio can be misleading if doctors are clustered in one area, leaving others underserved.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts asthma management. Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several criteria. This includes the availability of certified asthma educators, who can provide patients with vital education on asthma triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique. Practices offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing, a crucial diagnostic tool, are also highly valued. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication between providers and patients, as well as the ability to track patient progress and medication adherence, is another key indicator of a high-quality practice. Reviews from patients, accessible through online platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, wait times, and the overall patient experience.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care for asthma patients by enabling virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills. Its benefits are particularly pronounced for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility issues. Assessing telemedicine adoption in 28684 involves determining which primary care practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the availability of necessary technology for patients, such as reliable internet access and compatible devices. The analysis should also consider the extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the overall asthma management plan, including medication refills and follow-up appointments.

Mental health is frequently overlooked in asthma management, but it plays a crucial role. Asthma can be a chronic condition that causes anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is essential. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses. The analysis must assess the availability of these resources, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of mental health services into the overall asthma care plan. This integration can involve screening for mental health conditions during routine appointments, providing patients with educational materials, and offering referrals to mental health professionals.

Specific examples of practices within 28684 and the surrounding areas that excel in asthma care, if any, would be critical to the analysis. This includes identifying practices that have earned recognition for their asthma management programs, such as those accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). It is important to determine if these practices have certified asthma educators on staff, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and actively utilize telemedicine for asthma management. Furthermore, the analysis needs to investigate the availability of mental health support within these practices or through referral networks.

The analysis must also consider the impact of Todd's rural setting on asthma care. Rural areas often face challenges in healthcare access, including a shortage of healthcare providers, limited transportation options, and a lack of specialized services. The analysis should evaluate the extent to which these challenges affect asthma patients in 28684. This includes assessing the availability of public transportation to medical appointments, the availability of pharmacies that carry asthma medications, and the presence of community resources that support asthma patients, such as support groups or educational programs.

In conclusion, a comprehensive asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 28684 and primary care availability in Todd, NC, demands a multifaceted evaluation. It requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The analysis should also address the specific challenges posed by the rural setting of Todd. By compiling and analyzing this data, we can gain a clearer understanding of the quality of asthma care available to residents and identify areas for improvement.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and a visual representation of the data discussed, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare access and identifying areas of need within 28684 and beyond.