28748, Leicester, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28748, Leicester, North Carolina is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.52 percent of the residents in 28748 has some form of health insurance. 37.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.47 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 28748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,979 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,960 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,038 health care providers accessible to residents in 28748, Leicester, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Leicester, NC (ZIP Code 28748)

Analyzing asthma care within Leicester, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28748) necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care, access to specialized resources, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, factoring in various critical elements to gauge the overall support system available to asthma patients within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio in Leicester is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents provides a baseline. A lower ratio could indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis or inadequate management of asthma symptoms. This, in turn, can contribute to increased hospitalizations and reduced quality of life for asthma sufferers. The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine doctors and internal medicine specialists, directly impacts the ability of patients to receive regular check-ups, medication refills, and personalized asthma action plans.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care practices is paramount. Are practices adhering to established asthma guidelines, such as those set forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they offer comprehensive asthma education to patients and their families, including proper inhaler technique instruction, trigger identification, and symptom management strategies? Evaluating the practices' commitment to patient education and proactive management is critical to assess their effectiveness in controlling asthma.

Several practices within the 28748 ZIP code may stand out in their approach to asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" involves assessing their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and the implementation of best practices. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma management, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) for seamless communication and care coordination, often achieve better results. These practices may also actively participate in community outreach programs, educating the public about asthma triggers and management strategies.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Leicester. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly benefit asthma patients. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms. This can be especially helpful for patients who live far from their physician's office or have mobility issues. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption by local practices and evaluating the availability of virtual asthma education programs is essential.

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health challenges. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the disease can take a toll on mental well-being. The availability of mental health resources within the community is, therefore, a critical component of asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational programs. Evaluating the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as screening for mental health conditions and referrals to mental health specialists, is crucial.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is essential. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, specialized care is often needed for complex cases or when asthma is poorly controlled. Assessing the proximity of pulmonologists and allergists to the 28748 ZIP code, and evaluating the ease of referral from primary care practices, is a key factor in determining the overall Asthma Score.

Another aspect to consider is the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and asthma educators. Respiratory therapists can provide valuable support in managing asthma symptoms, while asthma educators can provide individualized education and training to patients. Assessing the availability of these services within the community or through referral networks is important.

The Asthma Score should also consider the social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, housing quality, and access to healthy food can significantly impact asthma control. Patients living in substandard housing with mold or other allergens may experience more frequent asthma exacerbations. Similarly, food insecurity can limit access to a healthy diet, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Assessing the community's efforts to address these social determinants of health is crucial for a comprehensive Asthma Score assessment.

The overall Asthma Score for Leicester, NC (28748) is not simply a numerical value; it represents a composite of various factors. It considers the accessibility of primary care, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the access to specialized care. It also takes into account the social determinants of health and the community's efforts to address them. A higher score would indicate a more robust and supportive healthcare system for asthma patients, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

In conclusion, assessing asthma care in Leicester requires a detailed analysis of multiple factors. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources are all crucial components. The overall Asthma Score reflects the effectiveness of the healthcare system in supporting asthma patients and contributing to their well-being.

To visualize and analyze these factors geographically, consider utilizing the power of interactive mapping. Explore the healthcare landscape of Leicester and surrounding areas with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, access to specialized care, and the distribution of healthcare resources. Explore CartoChrome maps today to visualize the data and see how the healthcare system supports asthma patients in your community.