28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.24 percent of the residents in 28756 has some form of health insurance. 44.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.79 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 28756 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 845 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28756. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,297 health care providers accessible to residents in 28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Mill Spring, NC (ZIP Code 28756)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially regarding asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP code 28756 (Mill Spring, NC), focusing on their availability, resources, and overall ability to serve patients with asthma. We will assess the physician-to-patient ratio, identify standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma care strategy.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Mill Spring is a foundational element of this assessment. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from reliable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, are essential to accurately calculate this ratio. The current availability of primary care physicians in the area needs to be quantified, comparing the number of practicing PCPs to the population within the ZIP code. This number, along with its trend over time, provides a critical baseline understanding of the healthcare environment.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual provider profiles. This includes reviewing patient reviews, assessing the scope of services offered, and investigating any specialized asthma care programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management often feature certified asthma educators (CAEs) or respiratory therapists (RTs) on staff. These professionals play a vital role in patient education, medication management, and the development of personalized asthma action plans. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. Assessing these factors helps identify practices that are particularly well-equipped to manage asthma effectively.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Mill Spring, where geographic barriers can limit access to care. The adoption of telemedicine by local PCPs is a crucial factor in our asthma score analysis. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and potentially lower healthcare costs. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used, the range of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients, is essential to understanding the overall asthma care environment.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis needs to investigate whether PCPs in Mill Spring have established partnerships with mental health providers, offer on-site counseling services, or provide resources for patients struggling with mental health issues. Practices that recognize and address the mental health needs of their patients are better positioned to provide holistic and effective asthma care.

Beyond the individual practices, the broader healthcare ecosystem in Mill Spring influences asthma care. This includes the availability of specialist services, such as pulmonologists and allergists, and the presence of local pharmacies that stock asthma medications. The proximity of hospitals with emergency care facilities is also a critical factor. Patients with severe asthma exacerbations require immediate access to emergency medical services. Assessing the overall infrastructure of the healthcare system helps determine the level of support available to patients with asthma.

Furthermore, evaluating the level of health literacy within the community is important. Patients who understand their condition, medication, and treatment plan are more likely to adhere to their care plans and achieve better outcomes. Practices that provide patient education materials, offer language assistance services, and actively engage patients in their care are more likely to improve health literacy and asthma management.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Mill Spring (ZIP code 28756) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices with specialized asthma care programs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This analysis should incorporate data from multiple sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board, the US Census Bureau, patient reviews, and practice websites. The goal is to provide a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

For a more dynamic and visual representation of the data discussed, including physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer an interactive platform to visualize and analyze the complex factors influencing asthma care in Mill Spring, NC. Utilize CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and enhance your ability to make informed decisions about asthma management in this community.