28701, Alexander, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.15 percent of the residents in 28701 has some form of health insurance. 30.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.98 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 28701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,059 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28701. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 632 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,667 health care providers accessible to residents in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: 28701 & Alexander County

This analysis assesses the quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility within ZIP Code 28701 (Taylorsville, NC) and the broader Alexander County, focusing on factors impacting patient outcomes. The evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is readily accessible primary care. In Alexander County, a critical evaluation of primary care physician (PCP) availability is essential. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator. A lower ratio, reflecting a greater number of patients per PCP, can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and potentially compromised care. Researching the precise PCP-to-patient ratio in Alexander County is paramount. Public health data, county health department reports, and state medical board records are key resources to determine this critical metric. The county's population, combined with the number of actively practicing PCPs, will determine the ratio, which will be used to assess the accessibility of care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the county impacts accessibility. Are physicians concentrated in Taylorsville, or are they dispersed throughout the county, including rural areas? This geographical analysis is crucial. Transportation limitations, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions, can significantly hinder access to care. The presence of public transportation options or community-based transportation services for medical appointments must be considered.

Identifying standout primary care practices within 28701 and Alexander County is vital. These practices may demonstrate superior asthma management strategies, patient education programs, or exemplary patient satisfaction scores. Researching online reviews, consulting with local patient advocacy groups, and examining publicly available data on quality metrics (if available) can help identify these high-performing practices. Factors to consider include: the use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or asthma educators, and the implementation of proactive patient outreach programs.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in asthma management. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption by primary care practices in 28701 and Alexander County is crucial. Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication refills, or asthma education? Does the practice utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient symptoms and medication adherence? Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience and potentially reduce the number of emergency room visits related to asthma exacerbations.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established, and asthma patients are particularly vulnerable to the psychological impacts of their condition. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen overall quality of life. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and the broader community is essential. Do practices offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Are there community-based mental health support groups or resources available to asthma patients? Integrated care models, which combine primary care and mental health services, have demonstrated improved outcomes for patients with chronic conditions, and the presence of such models should be noted.

Specific practices within 28701 and Alexander County warrant individual scrutiny. Consider practices like Taylorsville Family Practice or Alexander Primary Care. Investigating their staffing models, patient education programs, and telemedicine capabilities is crucial. Do they employ certified asthma educators? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules? Do they proactively communicate with patients about medication adherence and symptom management? Publicly available data, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Compare tool, can provide valuable insights into practice performance and quality metrics, such as asthma control test scores.

The overall asthma score for a location is a composite metric, but it is heavily influenced by the factors described above. The physician-to-patient ratio is weighted heavily. The presence of telemedicine and mental health resources are significant contributing factors. The adoption of evidence-based practices and patient education programs further influence the score. The score should reflect the overall quality of care, accessibility of care, and the availability of supportive resources for asthma patients in the specific geographic area.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best possible care. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including readily available primary care, access to specialists when needed, and a supportive environment that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of asthma patients. The availability of resources and the quality of care will determine the asthma score.

To visualize the distribution of physicians, identify healthcare facilities, and analyze demographic data relevant to asthma prevalence and patient needs in 28701 and Alexander County, explore the power of interactive mapping with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear, data-driven overview of the healthcare landscape, enabling a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving asthma care in the community.