28778, Swannanoa, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28778, Swannanoa, North Carolina is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.39 percent of the residents in 28778 has some form of health insurance. 38.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.88 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 28778 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,880 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28778. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,703 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 28778, Swannanoa, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Swannanoa, NC (ZIP Code 28778)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Swannanoa, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28778) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage asthma, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive asthma care. We will evaluate these factors to formulate an "Asthma Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care within the community.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Swannanoa, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to regular check-ups, both detrimental to asthma control. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 28778 is crucial. Public health data, local hospital reports, and information from the North Carolina Medical Board are essential resources for determining this ratio. This data will inform the score, with a lower ratio (more doctors per patient) contributing to a higher score.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. The Asthma Score must consider the practices' demonstrated proficiency in asthma management. This involves assessing whether the practices adhere to national guidelines for asthma treatment, including regular pulmonary function tests, medication management, and patient education. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs and offer individualized asthma action plans will score higher. This assessment requires reviewing patient testimonials, practice websites, and potentially, direct communication with the practices themselves to understand their approach to asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like asthma. It allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of symptoms, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management will receive a higher score. This evaluation will involve examining practice websites, inquiring about telemedicine services during research, and assessing the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as vital for asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, and conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms. The Asthma Score must reflect the availability of mental health support for asthma patients. This includes assessing whether primary care practices offer on-site mental health services, have referral pathways to mental health professionals, or collaborate with mental health providers. The presence of these resources will positively impact the score, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

Identifying "standout practices" within Swannanoa is essential. These practices exemplify best practices in asthma care. They may have a dedicated asthma specialist, a comprehensive asthma education program, or a strong track record of patient satisfaction and positive outcomes. Recognizing these practices will highlight models of excellence within the community. This assessment will involve a combination of factors, including patient reviews, physician ratings, and the practice's overall approach to asthma management.

The Asthma Score will be calculated based on a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, reflecting access to care. The quality of primary care, including adherence to asthma guidelines and patient education, will also carry considerable weight. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources will contribute to the overall score, recognizing their importance in providing holistic care. The identification of standout practices will provide a qualitative assessment of the best options for asthma care within the community.

The final Asthma Score for Swannanoa (28778) will be a numerical value, potentially on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating better asthma care. This score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the factors that contributed to the score, providing a comprehensive overview of the asthma care landscape in the community. The score will also be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in Swannanoa (28778) requires a careful evaluation of physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By considering these factors, we can generate an Asthma Score that provides a useful benchmark for the community. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve asthma care within the region.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant information, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and intuitive way to visualize the asthma care landscape in Swannanoa, allowing you to easily identify key features and access valuable information.