28689, Union Grove, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28689, Union Grove, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.31 percent of the residents in 28689 has some form of health insurance. 22.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.33 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 28689 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28689. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 212 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,681 health care providers accessible to residents in 28689, Union Grove, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Union Grove, NC (ZIP Code 28689)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma sufferers in Union Grove, North Carolina (ZIP code 28689) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, offering insights for both residents and healthcare providers. The goal is to determine the current state of resources available to asthma patients and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of asthma care relies heavily on accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Union Grove, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying necessary treatment and exacerbating asthma symptoms. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, alongside the estimated population, will provide a preliminary understanding of this ratio. Furthermore, we must consider the availability of pediatricians, as asthma is a common childhood illness. A shortage of pediatric specialists can create significant challenges for families managing a child's asthma.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the practices themselves are vital. Are the PCPs accepting new patients? Do they have experience in asthma management? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' needs? Practices that offer specialized asthma clinics, employing certified asthma educators, would score significantly higher. These educators play a critical role in patient education, helping individuals understand their triggers, medication regimens, and proper inhaler techniques. This proactive approach to asthma management can reduce hospitalizations and improve overall quality of life.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in our assessment. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, especially beneficial for managing chronic conditions like asthma. It can reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups or medication adjustments. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, especially those utilizing secure video platforms, would receive a higher score. The ease of access and convenience of telemedicine can be particularly valuable for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas, like parts of Union Grove.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive asthma care plan. Does the practice offer in-house mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and integrate these services into their asthma care model would be highly regarded.

Standout practices in Union Grove would be those that excel in multiple areas. These practices would demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offering comprehensive asthma management services. They would likely have a robust telemedicine program, a team of certified asthma educators, and strong connections to mental health resources. These practices would be actively involved in community outreach, providing educational programs and support groups for asthma sufferers.

The Asthma Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the availability of PCPs, the characteristics of their practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. Each category would be assigned a weight based on its importance in asthma management. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might account for 20% of the score, while the availability of certified asthma educators might account for 25%. The final score would provide a clear indication of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Union Grove.

Data collection is essential for a meaningful analysis. This would involve surveying local practices, gathering data on physician availability and patient volume, and researching telemedicine adoption rates. Public health data, such as asthma prevalence rates in the area, would also be incorporated. This data-driven approach would provide a factual basis for the Asthma Score, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.

This analysis would be more than just a numerical score; it would offer actionable insights. It would identify areas where resources are lacking and highlight best practices. This information could be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents. For example, if the analysis reveals a shortage of pediatricians, this information could be used to advocate for increased recruitment efforts. If telemedicine adoption is low, the analysis could identify barriers to implementation and suggest strategies for improvement.

The ultimate goal of this Asthma Score analysis is to improve the lives of asthma sufferers in Union Grove. By assessing the current state of healthcare resources and identifying areas for improvement, we can help ensure that all residents have access to the care they need to manage their condition effectively. This includes promoting early diagnosis, providing comprehensive treatment plans, and supporting patients in managing their triggers and symptoms.

This analysis is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, regular updates and revisions to the Asthma Score are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and the adoption of new technologies. This ongoing process will ensure that the Asthma Score remains a valuable tool for assessing and improving asthma care in Union Grove.

To visualize and analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and highlight potential solutions.