28752, Marion, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28752, Marion, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.91 percent of the residents in 28752 has some form of health insurance. 40.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.16 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 28752 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,130 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28752. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,628 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,590 health care providers accessible to residents in 28752, Marion, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Marion, NC (ZIP Code 28752)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within Marion, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28752), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources, practice characteristics, and access to related services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors that significantly impact asthma management and patient outcomes. This score is not a single numerical value but rather a holistic evaluation based on the criteria below.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests on accessible and qualified primary care. In Marion, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a critical factor. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time a physician can dedicate to each patient, impacting the quality of care, particularly for a chronic condition like asthma. Information regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio is not readily available in a public domain. However, data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, along with national averages, can provide a comparative framework. Analyzing these metrics, alongside local population demographics, helps to understand the potential burden on existing PCP resources.

Primary care practices in Marion vary in their approaches to asthma management. Some practices may have a dedicated asthma specialist or a nurse practitioner with specialized training. Others might offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including peak flow meter training, inhaler technique demonstrations, and personalized action plans. The availability of these services significantly impacts the "Asthma Score." Practices that proactively offer these resources demonstrate a commitment to patient empowerment and improved asthma control. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is vital. EHRs facilitate seamless communication between healthcare providers, track patient progress, and ensure timely interventions.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical aspect of the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, providing convenience and potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and medication adjustments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with asthma, who may experience exacerbations and require prompt medical attention. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to patient care and a willingness to leverage technology to improve accessibility. The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), influences the score.

Beyond direct medical care, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that acknowledge this connection and provide access to mental health support, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, receive higher scores. This integration of mental healthcare demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care and addresses the multifaceted challenges associated with asthma. The ease of access to mental health services and the integration of mental health screening into routine asthma care contribute to the overall assessment.

Another important consideration is the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to pulmonologists or allergists, especially for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma, is essential. The proximity of specialists, referral pathways, and the ease of scheduling appointments all influence the "Asthma Score." Practices that have established relationships with specialists and facilitate timely referrals contribute to a higher score. The presence of a comprehensive care network is key.

The "Asthma Score" also considers the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to respiratory therapists, who can provide specialized education and support, as well as pharmacies that offer convenient medication refills and counseling. Practices that collaborate with these ancillary providers create a more integrated and supportive healthcare ecosystem, improving patient outcomes. The coordination of care between PCPs, specialists, and ancillary services is a key indicator of a high-quality asthma management system.

Furthermore, community resources play a role. The availability of support groups, asthma education programs offered by local organizations, and access to affordable medications all contribute to the overall assessment. Practices that are actively involved in community outreach and education demonstrate a commitment to improving asthma care beyond their immediate patient population.

The specific practices in Marion are evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above. While a detailed analysis of each practice is beyond the scope of this overview, the evaluation considers factors such as physician qualifications, the availability of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and community involvement. Practices that excel in these areas receive higher scores.

The final "Asthma Score" is a composite assessment that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Marion, NC (ZIP Code 28752). It considers the availability of primary care, the characteristics of individual practices, the integration of telemedicine and mental health services, and the presence of specialized care and community resources. The score is not a static number but a dynamic evaluation that can change over time as practices evolve and new resources become available.

To visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Marion, and to better understand the geographical accessibility of asthma care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.