28717, Cashiers, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28717, Cashiers, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.67 percent of the residents in 28717 has some form of health insurance. 38.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.54 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 28717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 428 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 938 health care providers accessible to residents in 28717, Cashiers, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28717 & Primary Care Availability in Cashiers

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Cashiers, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28717), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and effectiveness of asthma management within this specific geographic area.

The first critical element is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Cashiers, being a relatively small and rural community, likely faces challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care physicians and pulmonologists (specialists in lung health), can significantly impact access to care. This means that the number of patients each doctor is responsible for directly affects appointment availability, wait times, and the overall ability of the healthcare system to effectively manage chronic conditions like asthma. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide a baseline for this analysis. However, simply knowing the raw numbers isn't enough. We must also consider the age and health profile of the population in Cashiers, as an older population or a population with a higher prevalence of respiratory illnesses will naturally require more healthcare resources.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves looking beyond simple numbers and assessing the quality of care provided. Factors to consider include the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, patient satisfaction surveys, and the availability of specialized services such as asthma education programs and pulmonary function testing. Practices that proactively engage with patients, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing patient education would receive higher marks. Furthermore, the presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a significant indicator of quality. These educators can provide valuable support and guidance to patients, empowering them to better manage their condition and reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of this assessment. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to in-person appointments may be limited. Practices that offer telehealth options for asthma management, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and medication refills, would receive a positive rating. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and potentially lead to earlier intervention and better asthma control. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan are all important considerations.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a vital component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health services, either directly or through referrals, would be viewed favorably. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or the availability of educational materials on the connection between asthma and mental health. The ability to address the psychological aspects of asthma can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Assessing primary care availability in Cashiers is paramount. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients with asthma. They play a critical role in diagnosis, initial management, and ongoing monitoring of the condition. The availability of PCPs, their training in asthma management, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists are all essential factors. The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics that can provide timely care for asthma exacerbations is also important. The overall accessibility of primary care, including appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and patient satisfaction, will significantly influence the 'Asthma Score'.

The 'Asthma Score' itself would be a composite metric, derived from the weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a score based on its importance and the available data. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might contribute 20% to the overall score, while the availability of telemedicine might contribute 15%. The specific weighting would be determined based on the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal asthma management. The final score would provide a comprehensive picture of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Cashiers.

For example, a high score might indicate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of several standout practices with certified asthma educators, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score might reflect a shortage of physicians, limited access to specialized services, and a lack of telemedicine options. The 'Asthma Score' would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local asthma care system and identifying areas for improvement.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the specific needs of the population in Cashiers. Are there any unique challenges or opportunities related to asthma management in this community? For example, are there environmental factors that might exacerbate asthma symptoms, such as high pollen counts or air quality issues? Understanding these local factors is crucial for tailoring asthma management strategies to the specific needs of the population.

In conclusion, a thorough 'Asthma Score' analysis for Cashiers, North Carolina, requires a detailed examination of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and primary care accessibility. This analysis, based on a weighted assessment of these factors, would provide a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of asthma care in the community.

If you're interested in visualizing this data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cashiers, and other areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer powerful mapping and data visualization capabilities that can help you analyze and understand complex healthcare data.