28742, Horse Shoe, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28742, Horse Shoe, North Carolina is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.91 percent of the residents in 28742 has some form of health insurance. 36.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.14 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 28742 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 370 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28742. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,502 health care providers accessible to residents in 28742, Horse Shoe, North Carolina.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, and its effective management relies heavily on accessible and quality healthcare. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 28742, encompassing the town of Horse Shoe, North Carolina, focusing on physician availability, practice quality, and the integration of modern healthcare tools. We'll assess the 'Asthma Score' for doctors in the area, considering various factors that contribute to optimal asthma management and control.

The 'Asthma Score' is a composite metric, not a formal, standardized measure, but rather a conceptual framework developed for this analysis. It incorporates several key elements: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and overall practice quality. The higher the score, the more comprehensive and accessible the asthma care is deemed to be.

Physician-to-patient ratios are fundamental. A low ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit appointment availability and the time a doctor can dedicate to each patient. In Horse Shoe (28742), the exact physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, would be consulted to determine this ratio. A higher ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely care.

The presence of specialized asthma care is another critical factor. This includes pulmonologists, allergists, and asthma educators. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to specialists is essential for complex cases or those requiring advanced treatments. The 'Asthma Score' would be higher if specialists are readily available within or near 28742. The absence of these specialists necessitates travel to nearby cities like Asheville, which could create a barrier to care for some patients.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online educational resources would receive a higher score. The availability of these services can significantly improve asthma management by facilitating regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, yet they are crucial. Asthma can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, and these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling into their care plans would contribute to a higher 'Asthma Score'. This could involve partnerships with mental health professionals or the provision of in-house counseling services.

Overall practice quality is a subjective but essential component. This includes factors such as patient reviews, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the implementation of asthma action plans. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement and patient satisfaction would score higher. This could be assessed through online reviews, accreditation status, and the availability of patient education materials.

To assess the 'Asthma Score' for doctors in 28742, we would need to gather data from various sources. This includes:

* **Public Health Data:** Reviewing data from HRSA, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine physician-to-patient ratios, the prevalence of asthma in the area, and any existing programs or initiatives related to asthma care.
* **Provider Directories:** Utilizing online provider directories, such as those maintained by insurance companies and professional organizations, to identify PCPs, pulmonologists, allergists, and asthma educators practicing in the area.
* **Practice Websites and Information:** Reviewing practice websites and other online resources to determine the services offered, including telemedicine options, mental health resources, and patient education materials.
* **Patient Reviews:** Examining online patient reviews on platforms like Google, Healthgrades, and Vitals to assess patient satisfaction and identify any recurring themes or concerns.
* **Direct Contact:** Contacting practices directly to inquire about their asthma care protocols, the availability of specialists, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources.

Based on this data collection, a score would be assigned to each practice based on the factors described above. The average score would then represent the overall 'Asthma Score' for doctors in 28742.

In the absence of specific data, we can make some general observations. Horse Shoe, being a rural area, may face challenges in physician availability, particularly specialists. Telemedicine adoption might be limited, but there is a growing trend. The integration of mental health resources could be an area for improvement. Practice quality would vary, but the best practices would likely prioritize patient education, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the development of asthma action plans.

To improve asthma care in 28742, several strategies could be considered. Recruiting more PCPs and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, would be a priority. Encouraging telemedicine adoption through incentives and training would improve access to care. Integrating mental health services into asthma care would address the psychological impact of the disease. Promoting patient education and self-management skills would empower patients to take control of their asthma.

CartoChrome Maps can visualize this data, allowing users to see the location of doctors, specialists, and available resources. CartoChrome maps can show physician density, highlight practices with high 'Asthma Scores,' and identify areas with limited access to care. You can overlay data like asthma prevalence rates, income levels, and transportation options to provide a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.

Are you ready to explore the asthma care landscape in 28742? Visit CartoChrome Maps today to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.