28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.66 percent of the residents in 28720 has some form of health insurance. 34.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.23 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 28720 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 18 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28720. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,538 health care providers accessible to residents in 28720, Chimney Rock, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Chimney Rock, NC (ZIP Code 28720)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Chimney Rock, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28720) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to consider the number of physicians, the accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of a rural environment. This analysis culminates in an "Asthma Score" assessment, providing a snapshot of the current landscape.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A low physician-to-patient ratio can severely limit access to initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and urgent care for asthma exacerbations. In ZIP Code 28720, the rural nature of the area presents a potential challenge. A limited number of PCPs may serve a relatively dispersed population, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the ability to effectively manage chronic conditions like asthma. The current physician-to-patient ratio needs to be carefully assessed, taking into account the geographic distribution of both physicians and residents. This includes the need to account for the number of specialists.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is crucial. This encompasses factors such as the physician's experience with asthma management, the availability of asthma action plans, and the ability to provide patient education. The ability to provide comprehensive asthma care is a hallmark of a good practice.

Standout practices in the area, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma management. This could include practices that consistently score high on patient satisfaction surveys, utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, and actively engage patients in their care. These practices may offer specialized asthma education programs, provide access to respiratory therapists, or have established protocols for managing asthma exacerbations. Identifying these standout practices is crucial for residents seeking the best possible care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly benefit asthma patients in ZIP Code 28720. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially provide more frequent and accessible care for asthma patients, leading to better disease control and improved quality of life. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to physicians, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who are familiar with the psychological aspects of asthma is essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care programs are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This can include on-site counseling services or referrals to mental health professionals in the community.

To formulate an "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 28720, we need to weigh these factors. The score would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive asthma management, and a greater emphasis on patient well-being. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio would be a major factor. A low ratio would negatively impact the score. The presence of standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma management would positively influence the score. The adoption of telemedicine would also boost the score, as it improves access and convenience. Finally, the availability of mental health resources would be a critical component, with the presence of integrated services significantly improving the score.

The Chimney Rock area is a beautiful place, and the quality of healthcare is a critical factor for residents. Improving access to asthma care is crucial for improving the health and well-being of the community. Addressing the challenges of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration is essential.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of asthma care in Chimney Rock. Further research, including data collection on physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, is necessary to provide a more comprehensive and accurate "Asthma Score."

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Chimney Rock and surrounding areas, including physician locations, primary care availability, and potential access challenges, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.