28721, Clyde, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28721, Clyde, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.69 percent of the residents in 28721 has some form of health insurance. 39.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.95 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 28721 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,846 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28721. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,286 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 954 health care providers accessible to residents in 28721, Clyde, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Clyde, NC (ZIP Code 28721)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma sufferers in Clyde, North Carolina (ZIP code 28721) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the potential for telemedicine integration, consider the integration of mental health resources, and identify standout practices. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Asthma Score" – a subjective measure reflecting the ease and quality of asthma management within this specific geographical area.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in accessible primary care. In Clyde, determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can offer a starting point. However, these sources may not always reflect the *current* availability of primary care physicians accepting new patients, especially those with complex needs like asthma. A low physician-to-patient ratio, ideally below the national average, suggests better access. This would translate to shorter wait times for appointments, more frequent follow-ups, and a higher likelihood of establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship – all vital for asthma management. Conversely, a high ratio indicates potential challenges in accessing timely care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased hospitalizations.

Beyond raw numbers, the *type* of primary care available is critical. Are there family medicine practices, internal medicine specialists, or pediatricians within a reasonable radius? A diverse network of providers ensures that patients of all ages can find a physician who understands their specific needs. Furthermore, the presence of board-certified allergists and pulmonologists, while not primary care providers, significantly enhances the Asthma Score. These specialists offer advanced diagnostic capabilities, specialized treatment options, and can provide crucial support to primary care physicians in managing severe asthma cases.

Telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in areas with limited access to healthcare. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can be particularly beneficial for asthma sufferers. Evaluating the telemedicine adoption rate among primary care practices in Clyde is crucial. Are physicians offering virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' lung function and medication adherence? The more integrated telemedicine is, the higher the Asthma Score. This technology can reduce the burden of travel, especially for patients with frequent exacerbations, and facilitate more frequent communication with their healthcare providers.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, while the chronic nature of the disease can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of a comprehensive Asthma Score. Do primary care practices have integrated behavioral health specialists? Are they equipped to screen for anxiety and depression? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The more readily accessible mental health support is, the higher the score. Integrating mental health services acknowledges the holistic needs of asthma patients, leading to improved overall well-being and asthma control.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into individual clinic performance. This involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing patient satisfaction surveys, and investigating outcomes data (if available). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive asthma management plans, and a patient-centered approach would naturally receive higher marks. The presence of certified asthma educators, for instance, can significantly improve patient understanding of their condition and empower them to manage their symptoms effectively. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and utilize evidence-based guidelines would also contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

Specific examples of standout practices within the 28721 ZIP code are difficult to provide without direct access to proprietary data. However, a hypothetical example could involve a practice that:

* Offers same-day appointments for urgent asthma concerns.
* Employs a dedicated asthma educator who provides personalized training on inhaler techniques and trigger avoidance.
* Actively monitors patients' asthma control using validated questionnaires and lung function tests.
* Offers telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments and medication refills.
* Has integrated behavioral health services to address the mental health needs of their patients.

The integration of these factors would significantly enhance the Asthma Score for any practice.

The overall Asthma Score for Clyde, NC (28721) would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would likely range from poor to excellent, depending on the specific data available. A higher score would indicate better access to primary care, a greater integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices committed to providing high-quality asthma care. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of integrated mental health services.

Ultimately, improving the Asthma Score in Clyde requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations must work together to address identified gaps in care. This includes recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services, and promoting patient education and self-management strategies.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare access and quality in Clyde, NC (28721), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas for improvement, consider exploring the power of geographic data visualization. **Visit CartoChrome maps to unlock insights into the healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of asthma care accessibility in your community.**