28726, East Flat Rock, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28726, East Flat Rock, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.44 percent of the residents in 28726 has some form of health insurance. 36.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.63 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 28726 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,276 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28726. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 384 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,549 health care providers accessible to residents in 28726, East Flat Rock, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment, significantly impacts communities, particularly those with limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 28726, encompassing East Flat Rock, North Carolina, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, with a focus on asthma management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the delivery of asthma care.

East Flat Rock, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare provision. The area's demographics, socioeconomic factors, and geographic characteristics influence healthcare access and outcomes. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a meaningful assessment of asthma care. The 'Asthma Score' will consider various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced consultation times, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside information from the American Medical Association, is essential to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 28726. This data will be compared to state and national averages to assess the relative availability of primary care physicians. A low ratio warrants further investigation into the reasons for the shortage, such as physician recruitment challenges or a high proportion of elderly residents.

The presence of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is another critical factor. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, complex cases or those requiring advanced treatment may necessitate referral to specialists. The availability of these specialists within or near 28726 is crucial. Information on the number of pulmonologists and allergists practicing in the area, their accessibility (e.g., office hours, appointment availability), and their acceptance of various insurance plans will be gathered. The proximity of specialized care to the community is also a consideration, with longer travel times potentially hindering access to timely care.

Several primary care practices in East Flat Rock likely play a significant role in asthma management. Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating their approaches to asthma care, including the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and the integration of technology. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma management, such as offering asthma action plans, regular follow-up appointments, and patient education materials, will be recognized. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 28726 is vital. This includes determining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters), and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the practice workflow. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve asthma control by providing more frequent and convenient access to care.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is crucial. This involves assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, provide counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals are more likely to provide comprehensive asthma care. The availability of these resources will be considered in the 'Asthma Score'.

The 'Asthma Score' will be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialized care may carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the local context. The 'Asthma Score' will be presented as a numerical value, allowing for a comparative assessment of asthma care in 28726. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the findings, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of health insurance, and limited access to transportation can significantly affect asthma outcomes. The 'Asthma Score' will incorporate data on these factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the community. This may involve analyzing the percentage of residents living below the poverty line, the rate of uninsured individuals, and the availability of public transportation.

The 'Asthma Score' will not only assess the current state of asthma care but also identify opportunities for improvement. This may include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, improving access to specialized care, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health resources. The analysis will also highlight best practices from standout practices, providing examples of successful asthma management strategies.

The 'Asthma Score' analysis is designed to be a dynamic tool. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the factors influencing asthma care can change over time. Therefore, the 'Asthma Score' will be updated regularly to reflect these changes. This will involve ongoing data collection, analysis, and evaluation. The goal is to provide a continuous assessment of asthma care in 28726, enabling healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to make informed decisions and improve asthma outcomes.

The information gathered and analyzed for this 'Asthma Score' is available in interactive, visually compelling maps through CartoChrome. Explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant factors to gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in East Flat Rock.