28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 28743 has some form of health insurance. 44.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.16 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 28743 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 386 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28743. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 573 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 492 health care providers accessible to residents in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina.

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Hot Springs, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28743), requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the specific resources and practices that contribute to effective asthma management. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ perspective for residents.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the accessibility of primary care. In Hot Springs, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to asthma control. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 28743 is the initial step. This involves analyzing the number of practicing primary care physicians within the zip code and comparing it to the population size. Public health data, county records, and potentially, state medical board information are sources for this data. A low ratio immediately flags a potential challenge in accessing care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care providers is crucial. Are the doctors concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they spread throughout the community? Geographic accessibility is paramount, especially for individuals with limited mobility or transportation challenges. The presence of a hospital or urgent care facility within a reasonable distance is also essential for managing asthma exacerbations. Assessing the proximity of these facilities to residential areas is a key component of the overall ‘Asthma Score’.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves examining the clinics and individual physicians' adherence to established asthma guidelines, such as those published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Do these practices routinely conduct spirometry testing to assess lung function? Do they provide comprehensive asthma action plans tailored to individual patients? Do they offer patient education on proper inhaler technique and environmental control measures? Gathering information on these practices, through patient reviews, surveys, and potentially, direct observation (with appropriate permissions), is crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based asthma management would score higher.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Hot Springs. Telehealth can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices is therefore vital. Do physicians offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters or pulse oximeters, to track patients' conditions? The availability of telemedicine services can significantly improve access to care and enhance asthma management, especially for patients with chronic conditions or those living in remote locations. Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a higher score.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, the chronic nature of asthma can contribute to mental health challenges. The integration of mental health resources into asthma care is therefore essential. Do primary care practices in Hot Springs have access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks? Do they screen patients for anxiety and depression? Do they offer educational resources on managing stress and coping with the emotional aspects of asthma? Practices that prioritize mental health integration would contribute to a higher overall ‘Asthma Score’.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is a factor. While primary care physicians often manage asthma, access to specialists is crucial for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. Assessing the presence of these specialists within a reasonable distance of Hot Springs is therefore important. The ability to access specialized care, when needed, contributes to a higher score.

Analyzing the availability of patient education resources is another crucial element. Are there readily available materials on asthma triggers, medication management, and emergency protocols? Do local practices or community organizations offer asthma education classes or support groups? Patient empowerment through education is critical for effective self-management. Practices that prioritize patient education would be considered favorably.

Finally, evaluating the affordability of care is essential. The cost of medications, doctor visits, and diagnostic tests can be a significant barrier to accessing asthma care. Assessing the availability of insurance coverage, financial assistance programs, and affordable medication options is therefore crucial. Practices that are sensitive to the financial burdens faced by patients would contribute to a higher score.

In conclusion, creating a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ for Hot Springs requires a detailed examination of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, geographic accessibility, adherence to asthma guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, access to specialists, patient education resources, and affordability of care all contribute to the overall quality of asthma management. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape in 28743.

To further visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Hot Springs.