28705, Bakersville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.25 percent of the residents in 28705 has some form of health insurance. 42.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.47 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 28705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28705. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,212 health care providers accessible to residents in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28705 & Primary Care Availability in Bakersville**

The assessment of healthcare accessibility and quality, specifically concerning asthma management, requires a nuanced understanding of the local landscape. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the overall support structure for asthma patients within ZIP code 28705, encompassing Bakersville, North Carolina. Our aim is to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing a chronic respiratory condition like asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of accessibility. In Bakersville, the rural nature of the area presents a challenge. Determining the exact ratio requires data on the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the population served. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, combined with local knowledge, would be essential to calculate this. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

The presence of standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in asthma care, can significantly impact patient outcomes. These practices often possess specialized knowledge, offer comprehensive services, and actively participate in asthma education programs. Identifying these practices involves examining their patient reviews, assessing their adherence to asthma management guidelines, and evaluating their integration of asthma-specific services. Do they have certified asthma educators? Do they offer peak flow meter training? Do they have established protocols for managing asthma exacerbations? These are critical questions.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Bakersville, providing patients with remote access to consultations, medication management, and asthma education. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the physician's ability to conduct thorough virtual assessments. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within the local practices is therefore paramount.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, and the presence of comorbid mental health conditions can worsen asthma control. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who are familiar with asthma and its psychological impact is crucial. This includes assessing whether local practices have partnerships with mental health providers or offer integrated mental health services. Are there readily available referrals to mental health professionals? Are there support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma?

The “Asthma Score” for ZIP code 28705 would be a composite metric, reflecting the performance across these key areas. The score would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. Each component would be weighted based on its relative importance. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while the presence of a practice with certified asthma educators and robust telemedicine capabilities would positively influence it. The final score would provide a snapshot of the overall asthma care environment in Bakersville, allowing for a comparative analysis and highlighting areas for improvement.

Analyzing the practices themselves requires a deep dive. Are the practices accepting new patients? What are the wait times for appointments? What insurance plans are accepted? Do they have multilingual staff to serve the diverse population? Do they offer after-hours care? These are essential questions to address.

The quality of care also depends on the patient's education. Do practices offer asthma education classes? Do they provide written asthma action plans? Do they teach patients how to use their inhalers correctly? The answers to these questions would contribute to the “Asthma Score.”

The availability of specialized services, such as pulmonary function testing and allergy testing, is also important. These tests can help diagnose and manage asthma. Are these services available locally, or do patients need to travel to access them? The answer would affect the “Asthma Score.”

The local hospital's role in asthma management is also important. Does the hospital have an emergency department that is equipped to handle asthma exacerbations? Does the hospital have a pulmonary department? The answers to these questions would affect the “Asthma Score.”

Finally, community involvement is essential. Are there any local support groups for asthma patients? Are there any community outreach programs that promote asthma awareness? The answers to these questions would also affect the “Asthma Score.”

This comprehensive assessment requires a thorough investigation of the local healthcare ecosystem. The goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the asthma care environment in Bakersville, NC, and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

For a more detailed and visually informative analysis of the healthcare landscape in Bakersville, including physician locations, patient demographics, and resource distribution, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize complex data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation.