28690, Valdese, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28690, Valdese, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.76 percent of the residents in 28690 has some form of health insurance. 41.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.26 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 28690 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,712 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28690. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,325 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,375 health care providers accessible to residents in 28690, Valdese, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Valdese, NC (ZIP Code 28690)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in Valdese, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28690) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the specific resources and practices that cater to asthma management. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," will evaluate key aspects of care, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In Valdese, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. While precise numbers fluctuate, a higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to appointments, more personalized care, and potentially, more time dedicated to asthma management. Researching the current ratio within the 28690 ZIP code is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, combined with local healthcare provider directories, can provide a preliminary estimate. However, the actual patient load of each practice is the most critical data point.

Beyond the raw numbers, the *distribution* of PCPs is essential. Are the physicians clustered in one area, potentially creating access challenges for residents in other parts of Valdese? Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients, particularly those with asthma who require ongoing care? Assessing geographical accessibility, including proximity to public transportation and the availability of transportation assistance programs for those with limited mobility, is critical.

The quality of primary care significantly impacts asthma management. This includes the physicians' expertise in diagnosing and treating asthma, their adherence to established asthma guidelines (such as those from the National Institutes of Health), and their ability to educate patients on self-management techniques. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including inhaler technique training and personalized asthma action plans, deserve high marks. Patient reviews, available through online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall quality of care.

Identifying standout practices within the 28690 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to asthma, such as tracking asthma control rates and medication adherence, should be recognized. Those offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations are particularly valuable. Furthermore, practices that have strong referral networks to pulmonologists and allergists, specialists crucial for managing complex asthma cases, are essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the Asthma Score. The ability to access virtual consultations with PCPs or specialists can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling or who require frequent monitoring. Practices that offer telemedicine appointments for medication refills, asthma education, and follow-up visits should be highly rated. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to the physician, further enhances the value of telemedicine.

Asthma often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the Asthma Score. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and offer on-site counseling or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals are highly desirable. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers ensures a holistic approach to patient care.

Medication access is another key consideration. The Asthma Score should assess the proximity of pharmacies to PCP offices and patient homes. Are there any pharmacies that specialize in asthma medications or offer services like medication synchronization? Programs that assist patients with medication costs, such as those offered by pharmaceutical companies or local charities, are also important.

The Asthma Score should also consider the availability of environmental control measures. This includes access to resources that help patients identify and mitigate asthma triggers in their homes, such as mold remediation services or allergen-proof bedding. Public health initiatives that address environmental factors contributing to asthma, such as air quality monitoring and community education programs, are also valuable.

Finally, the Asthma Score must incorporate a community-wide perspective. The involvement of local hospitals, schools, and community organizations in asthma awareness and education programs is crucial. Partnerships between healthcare providers and community groups can improve asthma outcomes by reaching a wider audience and addressing the social determinants of health that impact asthma control.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Valdese, NC (ZIP Code 28690) is a complex metric, reflecting the interplay of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support. By carefully evaluating these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify opportunities for improvement.

To visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of these healthcare resources, including physician locations, pharmacy locations, and the geographic distribution of asthma prevalence, explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome offers the tools to create interactive maps, allowing for a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation within the Valdese community.