28712, Brevard, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.73 percent of the residents in 28712 has some form of health insurance. 46.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.51 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 28712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,050 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,165 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,175 health care providers accessible to residents in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 28712 and the broader context of primary care availability in Brevard, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We'll assess the current landscape, focusing on key factors that impact patient outcomes and access to care, culminating in a call to action for utilizing advanced mapping tools.

The core of effective asthma management revolves around readily accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). Brevard, a relatively rural area, faces challenges common to such settings: potentially lower physician-to-patient ratios compared to more urban environments. A lower ratio suggests a greater patient load per doctor, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time a physician can dedicate to each patient's needs. This is especially crucial for asthma patients, who require ongoing monitoring, medication adjustments, and prompt intervention during exacerbations. Assessing this ratio involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within Brevard and comparing it to the total population. Public health data, local hospital reports, and professional medical directories are essential resources for this analysis.

Standout practices within the 28712 ZIP code, or the Brevard area generally, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that adhere to national guidelines for asthma management, such as those established by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Key indicators of excellence include: offering patient education on asthma triggers and management techniques; providing spirometry testing to assess lung function; developing personalized asthma action plans; and proactively managing patients' medications. Furthermore, practices that integrate mental health support into their asthma care are particularly commendable. The link between asthma and mental health, including anxiety and depression, is well-established. Ignoring this aspect can significantly hinder patient outcomes.

Telemedicine presents a vital opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Its adoption rates within Brevard, and specifically among practices serving the 28712 ZIP code, warrant close examination. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving convenience for patients. Factors influencing telemedicine adoption include: the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians to embrace technology, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine, and providing clear instructions on its use, should be considered favorably.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial element of asthma care. The stress and anxiety associated with asthma can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Assessing the availability of mental health services within Brevard, and their accessibility to asthma patients, is critical. This includes evaluating the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counselors in the area, as well as the availability of support groups and mental health programs. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Furthermore, the integration of mental health professionals within primary care practices, or a strong referral network, is a significant advantage.

Specific practices within 28712 that excel in asthma care might be identified through patient reviews, physician referrals, and community health assessments. These practices often prioritize patient education, offering resources such as asthma classes, educational materials, and individualized action plans. They might also have dedicated asthma nurses or respiratory therapists who provide specialized care and support. The availability of after-hours care or on-call services is also a significant factor, ensuring patients have access to medical advice and assistance when needed.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for physicians in 28712, and the primary care environment in Brevard, requires a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score should be dynamic, reflecting ongoing changes in healthcare practices and the evolving needs of the community. Data should be regularly updated and analyzed to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that asthma patients receive the best possible care.

To conduct a thorough analysis, data collection is paramount. This includes gathering information from various sources: public health departments, local hospitals, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups. Patient surveys can provide valuable insights into their experiences with asthma care, including their satisfaction with their physicians, their access to resources, and the effectiveness of their treatment plans. This patient-centered feedback is essential for understanding the real-world impact of asthma care.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in Brevard and 28712 is a complex process. The goal is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. By analyzing key factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a clear understanding of the current landscape. This analysis should be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and patient education initiatives.

To visualize this complex data, and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and access to care, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent physician locations, patient demographics, and the availability of healthcare services, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. Utilize CartoChrome maps to uncover the nuances of asthma care in Brevard and 28712.