28763, Otto, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28763, Otto, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.15 percent of the residents in 28763 has some form of health insurance. 37.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.58 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 28763 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 610 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28763. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 629 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,176 health care providers accessible to residents in 28763, Otto, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Otto, NC (ZIP Code 28763)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Otto, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28763) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an “Asthma Score” assessment. This score, while not a formal, standardized metric, represents an overall impression of the quality and accessibility of asthma care within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Otto, a rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. Residents may face longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and increased travel distances to reach healthcare facilities. Accurate data on this ratio is crucial. Publicly available resources from organizations like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined with local health department information, can provide a clearer picture of PCP density. The Asthma Score will be negatively impacted if the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable.

Beyond mere numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have experience treating asthma patients? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Practices that offer comprehensive asthma management programs, including patient education, personalized treatment plans, and regular follow-up appointments, will contribute positively to the Asthma Score. The presence of certified asthma educators within the practice is also a significant advantage, as they can provide specialized training and support to patients.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve asthma care accessibility, particularly in rural areas like Otto. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to manage chronic conditions. Practices that offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication adjustments, and asthma education will receive a higher score. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma management. The Asthma Score will reflect the level of telemedicine integration within the local practices.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is especially relevant in asthma. Asthma can be a source of anxiety and stress, and these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, will receive a higher score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists ensures a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of asthma. The Asthma Score will reflect the availability and integration of mental health services.

Identifying “standout practices” within ZIP Code 28763 requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare providers. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, employ innovative asthma management strategies, and actively participate in community health initiatives would be considered standout practices. Their practices will significantly improve the overall Asthma Score for the area.

The Asthma Score for Otto, NC (ZIP Code 28763) is a composite assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score indicates a favorable environment for asthma management, with accessible care, comprehensive services, and a focus on patient well-being. A low score suggests areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, enhancing telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services.

To accurately assess the Asthma Score, a comprehensive data collection and analysis process is necessary. This includes gathering information from various sources, such as healthcare provider directories, insurance databases, and patient feedback platforms. The analysis should also consider demographic factors, such as the prevalence of asthma in the local population and the socioeconomic status of residents. The Asthma Score is a dynamic metric that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The specific data points used to calculate the Asthma Score would include: the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, the percentage of practices offering telemedicine appointments, the number of practices with certified asthma educators, the availability of on-site mental health services or referral pathways, and patient satisfaction ratings. Each data point would be weighted based on its relative importance to asthma management. The final score would be a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Otto.

The Asthma Score is not just a number; it is a tool for improvement. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the score can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations about areas where resources should be focused. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts could be made to recruit more physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, initiatives could be launched to promote and support the use of virtual care. If mental health resources are lacking, partnerships could be formed with local mental health providers to improve access to care.

The Asthma Score is a valuable tool for patients as well. It provides them with information about the quality and accessibility of asthma care in their community, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Patients can use the score to identify practices that offer comprehensive asthma management programs and to advocate for improvements in the healthcare system.

The process of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing this data can be complex. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the Asthma Score and related data. By using CartoChrome maps, you can visualize the distribution of physicians, the availability of telemedicine services, and the location of mental health resources within ZIP Code 28763. This visual representation can help identify areas of need and inform decision-making.

Want to see a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Otto, NC (ZIP Code 28763)? Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps.