28692, Vilas, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28692 has some form of health insurance. 35.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 28692 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28692. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 532 health care providers accessible to residents in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28692 and Primary Care in Vilas

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Vilas, North Carolina, specifically focusing on those practicing within ZIP code 28692. The aim is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, considering factors relevant to asthma management, such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice features, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive asthma care.

Vilas, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The Asthma Score, therefore, considers the inherent limitations of a smaller population base and the potential impact on resource allocation. The analysis prioritizes practical realities, acknowledging that the ideal scenario might be unattainable in a rural setting.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. Accurate data on this ratio requires careful analysis of physician counts within the ZIP code, factoring in the number of patients served by each practice. Publicly available data, combined with local information, is essential to determine the effective physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, within reasonable limits, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Several practices within 28692 might stand out in their asthma management approach. Identifying these “standout practices” requires examining several factors. Does the practice have a dedicated asthma specialist or a physician with a strong interest in pulmonology? Do they offer comprehensive asthma education programs for patients and their families? Are they equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Do they actively participate in asthma-related research or clinical trials? Practices excelling in these areas would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and manage their asthma effectively. The Asthma Score considers the extent of telemedicine integration within practices. Do they offer virtual consultations for asthma management? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms and provide timely interventions? Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a boost in their scores.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score considers the availability of mental health resources within the practices or through referrals. Do the practices have mental health professionals on staff? Do they actively screen patients for mental health issues? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community? Practices demonstrating a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of their asthma patients would score higher.

Assessing the availability of asthma-specific resources is also critical. Does the community have support groups for asthma patients and their families? Are there educational programs offered by local hospitals or health organizations? Are there readily available resources for accessing asthma medications and devices, especially for low-income individuals? The presence of these resources would positively influence the Asthma Score, reflecting a supportive environment for asthma management.

The Asthma Score is not a static metric. It is dynamic, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to capture changes in physician availability, practice features, telemedicine adoption, and resource availability. This ensures that the score remains relevant and useful for patients and healthcare providers.

The specific practices within 28692, their individual approaches, and their commitment to the elements outlined above will influence the final Asthma Score. This score provides a snapshot of the current state of asthma care in the area, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

The analysis also considers the broader context of primary care availability in Vilas. The overall health of the primary care system directly affects asthma management. A robust primary care system, with adequate physician staffing and accessible services, provides a solid foundation for effective asthma care. A weak primary care system, on the other hand, can create barriers to asthma management, leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased hospitalizations.

The assessment of primary care availability includes evaluating the accessibility of services, such as appointment scheduling, insurance acceptance, and language capabilities. Practices that prioritize patient convenience and offer a range of services are more likely to provide effective asthma care.

The Asthma Score is a tool for informing patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their healthcare, choosing practices that best meet their needs. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance asthma management within their practices.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for asthma patients in Vilas and surrounding areas. By providing a comprehensive assessment of asthma care resources, the Asthma Score serves as a catalyst for positive change, promoting better access to care, improved asthma control, and a healthier community.

For a visual representation of these factors, and to explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in 28692 and the surrounding areas, we invite you to explore our interactive maps. Click here to access CartoChrome maps, where you can visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Vilas.