28786, Waynesville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28786, Waynesville, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.51 percent of the residents in 28786 has some form of health insurance. 42.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.98 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 28786 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,022 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28786. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,398 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,468 health care providers accessible to residents in 28786, Waynesville, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Waynesville, NC (ZIP Code 28786)

Analyzing the asthma landscape within Waynesville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28786) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the prevalence of asthma but also the accessibility and quality of care available to those managing this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" assessment.

Waynesville, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding asthma management. The mountainous terrain, varying air quality influenced by seasonal changes and potential allergens, and the demographics of the population all contribute to the complexity of providing effective care. The "Asthma Score" isn't a single number but a composite evaluation reflecting the overall health of the system.

The foundation of asthma care lies in accessible primary care. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing physicians within the specified ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential bottlenecks in accessing timely appointments, follow-up care, and preventative measures. This ratio is a critical component of the "Asthma Score." A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per patient, negatively impacts the score.

The presence of standout practices is another key factor. These are medical facilities that have demonstrated excellence in asthma management. This includes practices that:

* **Utilize Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Adhering to national guidelines for asthma diagnosis, treatment, and patient education is essential.
* **Offer Comprehensive Care:** Providing a range of services, including pulmonary function testing, allergy testing, and asthma education programs, enhances the quality of care.
* **Employ Certified Asthma Educators:** Having trained professionals who can provide personalized asthma management plans and educate patients on triggers, medications, and proper inhaler technique is invaluable.
* **Maintain Strong Patient Satisfaction:** Practices with high patient satisfaction scores often indicate a commitment to patient-centered care.

Identifying these standout practices and their services will positively influence the "Asthma Score."

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Waynesville can significantly impact the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Providing convenient access to physicians for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom management.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Utilizing technology to track patients' asthma symptoms, medication adherence, and environmental triggers.
* **Asthma Education:** Delivering educational resources and support through online platforms.

The extent of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, will be factored into the "Asthma Score."

Asthma is often intertwined with mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can negatively impact mental well-being. The availability of mental health resources for asthma patients is therefore crucial. This includes:

* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral pathways to mental health providers.
* **Mental Health Education:** Providing patients with information about the connection between asthma and mental health and strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
* **Support Groups:** Facilitating support groups for asthma patients to connect with others and share experiences.

The degree to which mental health resources are integrated into asthma care will significantly influence the "Asthma Score."

Specifics are essential. To accurately assess the "Asthma Score" for Waynesville, we need concrete data. This includes:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Determining the precise ratio of primary care physicians to the population within ZIP code 28786 and the surrounding counties.
* **Practice Profiles:** Identifying the specific practices within the area and evaluating their services, adherence to guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Assessing the availability of telemedicine services offered by local practices, including the types of services and the ease of access.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Determining the extent to which mental health services are integrated into asthma care within local practices, including the availability of on-site professionals, referral pathways, and support groups.

Without this detailed information, the "Asthma Score" remains a theoretical assessment.

The "Asthma Score" will then be a composite of these factors. A high score will indicate:

* **Excellent primary care accessibility:** A favorable physician-to-patient ratio.
* **Standout Practices:** The presence of practices that offer comprehensive asthma care, adhere to evidence-based guidelines, and have high patient satisfaction.
* **Robust Telemedicine Adoption:** Widespread availability of telemedicine services for asthma management.
* **Comprehensive Mental Health Integration:** The seamless integration of mental health services into asthma care.

Conversely, a low score will indicate challenges in one or more of these areas, highlighting areas for improvement in asthma care delivery within Waynesville.

This analysis underscores the importance of a holistic approach to asthma management. It's not just about treating the physical symptoms; it's about addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the condition and providing patients with the support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waynesville, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant data, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual and interactive platform for analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to uncover valuable insights and make informed decisions.