28719, Cherokee, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28719, Cherokee, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 61.45 percent of the residents in 28719 has some form of health insurance. 38.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.43 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 28719 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,761 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28719. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 511 health care providers accessible to residents in 28719, Cherokee, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on asthma care within ZIP code 28719 and primary care accessibility in Cherokee County, North Carolina. This assessment considers various factors impacting patient outcomes, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and integration of supportive services. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the current state of asthma management and primary care within the specified geographical area.

Evaluating the landscape requires understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, can lead to increased wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater availability. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, provides the raw numbers. However, simply calculating a raw ratio doesn't fully capture the reality. Factors like physician specialization (e.g., pulmonologists specializing in asthma) and the acceptance of new patients by each practice are crucial.

Within Cherokee County, the availability of primary care physicians is critical. Primary care providers often serve as the initial point of contact for asthma patients, providing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Adequate primary care access ensures timely interventions and reduces the risk of complications. The geographical distribution of these practices, including their proximity to patients, is another significant consideration. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, potentially impacting primary care availability.

Analyzing standout practices involves identifying those demonstrating excellence in asthma management. This requires evaluating several criteria. First, the practice's adherence to national guidelines for asthma care is essential. Second, the use of evidence-based treatments and medications is critical. Third, the practice’s patient education programs, which empower individuals to self-manage their condition, are important. Fourth, the practice’s patient satisfaction levels, as measured through surveys and feedback mechanisms, are an important indicator.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in enhancing access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. The degree to which practices in 28719 and Cherokee County have embraced telemedicine can be assessed by examining their online presence, the availability of virtual appointments, and the use of remote monitoring technologies. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma care. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to community-based mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. The availability of these resources can be a key differentiator in asthma care.

The specific practices within 28719 and Cherokee County must be individually assessed. The evaluation should include the practice's size, its staffing composition (including the presence of specialists like pulmonologists or allergists), its insurance acceptance policies, and its hours of operation. The practice’s reputation within the community, as reflected in online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals, is also an important factor.

The analysis should also consider the availability of asthma education programs. These programs empower patients to manage their condition effectively. They provide information on triggers, medications, inhaler techniques, and emergency action plans. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs can improve patient outcomes and reduce the frequency of asthma exacerbations.

Additionally, the assessment must address the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy and pulmonary function testing. These services are essential for diagnosing and monitoring asthma. The proximity of these services to primary care practices and the ease with which patients can access them are important factors.

The economic factors affecting healthcare access also warrant consideration. The affordability of care, including the acceptance of various insurance plans and the availability of financial assistance programs, is important. The cost of medications and the availability of prescription assistance programs can also impact patient outcomes.

The overall Asthma Score for doctors in 28719 and primary care availability in Cherokee County cannot be simply quantified. The analysis requires a nuanced understanding of the interconnected factors. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health. These factors, such as housing quality, access to healthy food, and exposure to environmental hazards, can significantly impact asthma outcomes. Practices that are aware of these factors and actively work to address them are better positioned to provide effective care.

The role of community partnerships is also crucial. Collaborations between healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and public health agencies can enhance asthma management. These partnerships can facilitate patient education, improve access to resources, and address the social determinants of health.

The data gathered from the North Carolina Medical Board, the US Census Bureau, and publicly available practice information can be mapped. Analyzing the geographical distribution of physicians, primary care practices, and ancillary services can reveal areas with limited access to care. This geographic perspective is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities in asthma management and primary care accessibility.

The analysis should also consider the impact of seasonal variations on asthma prevalence and exacerbations. The timing of pollen seasons, the prevalence of respiratory viruses, and the impact of air quality on asthma triggers should be considered. Practices that are prepared for these seasonal variations can provide more effective care.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of asthma care and primary care accessibility in 28719 and Cherokee County requires a multi-faceted approach. It must consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the impact of social determinants of health. This assessment should be used to inform strategies for improving asthma management and primary care accessibility.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographical factors influencing asthma care in 28719 and Cherokee County, explore CartoChrome maps.