28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.38 percent of the residents in 28747 has some form of health insurance. 33.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.49 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 28747 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28747. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 344 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 957 health care providers accessible to residents in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lake Toxaway, NC (ZIP Code 28747)

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 28747 requires a multi-faceted approach, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all while acknowledging the specific challenges of a rural environment. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare infrastructure available to residents managing asthma.

The foundation of asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Lake Toxaway, assessing primary care availability is crucial. While the area’s population density is relatively low, the geographic spread can create significant challenges. Patients may face longer travel times to reach a primary care physician (PCP), potentially impacting the timeliness of asthma diagnoses, medication management, and routine check-ups. The "Asthma Score" must therefore account for the physical accessibility of PCPs, considering factors like proximity, transportation options, and appointment availability.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Conversely, a higher ratio can indicate a more readily available healthcare system. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 28747 is essential. This data, combined with the overall population demographics (including age and the prevalence of asthma within the community), provides a clearer picture of the demand for primary care services and the potential strain on existing resources.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even initial consultations. The "Asthma Score" should reflect the extent to which local primary care practices have embraced telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely, and the technological infrastructure available to support telemedicine (e.g., reliable internet access). Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can potentially improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic illnesses like asthma, but they play a crucial role. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The "Asthma Score" must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. This assessment should consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, the availability of referrals, and the overall awareness of mental health resources among healthcare providers and patients.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is key to a comprehensive analysis. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through various means. These might include practices that offer specialized asthma education programs, utilize innovative asthma management tools, or have a strong track record of patient satisfaction. Examining patient reviews, practice websites, and community feedback can help identify these standout practices and highlight best practices that could be replicated by other providers in the area.

The specifics of the "Asthma Score" analysis for Lake Toxaway would ideally involve gathering data from several sources. This includes:

* **Local healthcare providers:** Direct communication with primary care practices to gather information on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration.
* **Community health organizations:** Collaborating with local health departments and non-profit organizations to obtain data on asthma prevalence, access to care, and community resources.
* **Insurance providers:** Analyzing insurance claims data to assess patterns of asthma management, medication adherence, and utilization of healthcare services.
* **Patient surveys:** Conducting surveys to gather feedback from patients on their experiences with asthma care, including access to appointments, communication with providers, and satisfaction with treatment plans.

The data gathered from these sources would be analyzed to create a comprehensive "Asthma Score," reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the community. This score would then be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform strategies for enhancing asthma management in Lake Toxaway.

The challenges of rural healthcare, including geographic isolation, limited resources, and the potential for higher rates of chronic illness, necessitate a proactive and innovative approach to asthma management. By focusing on primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the identification of standout practices, the "Asthma Score" can serve as a valuable tool for improving the health and well-being of residents in Lake Toxaway.

A thorough analysis would involve detailed research into the specific practices within the ZIP code. This would include examining their websites, contacting their offices to inquire about services, and searching for patient reviews. This research would help to identify practices that are actively working to improve asthma care and to highlight any innovative approaches they are using.

The "Asthma Score" analysis should also consider the broader context of healthcare in Transylvania County. This includes examining the availability of specialists, the presence of hospitals and urgent care facilities, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This broader perspective is essential for understanding the overall healthcare landscape and for identifying any gaps in care.

The goal of the "Asthma Score" analysis is not just to assign a numerical score, but to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve asthma care in Lake Toxaway. This includes identifying areas where resources are needed, highlighting best practices, and advocating for policies that support asthma management.

The ultimate aim is to empower residents with the knowledge and resources they need to effectively manage their asthma and to live healthy, fulfilling lives. This requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and the patients themselves.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lake Toxaway and to further explore the data and insights discussed, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize physician locations, primary care availability, and other relevant data points, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources in your community.