28787, Weaverville, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28787, Weaverville, North Carolina is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.89 percent of the residents in 28787 has some form of health insurance. 37.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.49 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 28787 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,738 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28787. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,094 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,654 health care providers accessible to residents in 28787, Weaverville, North Carolina.

The analysis of asthma care within Weaverville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28787), requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing the quality and accessibility of care necessitates examining several key factors: physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, implicitly ranking the available resources and highlighting areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of qualified medical professionals. In Weaverville, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical data point. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient during consultations, and potentially compromised care quality. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility and the ability to provide more comprehensive asthma management. Further, the specific availability of pulmonologists and allergists, specialists crucial for managing complex asthma cases, must be considered. The presence of these specialists within or near the ZIP code significantly enhances the 'Asthma Score'.

Beyond the raw numbers of physicians, the characteristics of the medical practices themselves are crucial. Practices employing certified asthma educators (CAEs) are highly valued. CAEs possess specialized knowledge and training in asthma management, empowering patients to better understand their condition, medication regimens, and environmental triggers. This patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma control. The availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities is another important factor. PFTs are essential diagnostic tools for assessing lung function and monitoring the effectiveness of asthma treatments. Practices equipped with PFT facilities offer a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to asthma care.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly relevant in modern healthcare. Telemedicine can provide convenient access to healthcare professionals, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for asthma patients, receive a higher 'Asthma Score'. This is especially valuable for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations and monitor patients remotely can improve adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

Asthma is often linked to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact treatment outcomes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the medical practices or in the Weaverville community is a significant factor in the 'Asthma Score'. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Analyzing specific practices in Weaverville requires a deeper dive. While a comprehensive list is beyond the scope of this analysis, identifying standout practices is essential. This involves researching the services offered by each practice, including the presence of CAEs, PFT capabilities, telemedicine options, and mental health support. Identifying practices with a patient-centered approach, demonstrated by positive patient reviews and a commitment to providing comprehensive asthma care, is key. These practices would likely receive higher 'Asthma Score' ratings.

Consider the hypothetical scenario of a practice that is well-staffed with PCPs, has a pulmonologist on staff, employs CAEs, offers telemedicine options, and has a strong referral network for mental health services. This practice would likely receive a high 'Asthma Score' due to its comprehensive and patient-focused approach. Conversely, a practice with limited physician availability, lacking specialized staff, and offering few additional resources would likely receive a lower score.

Furthermore, the overall community resources for asthma patients must be considered. Local pharmacies offering asthma medication counseling and support groups can be valuable resources. Community health initiatives and educational programs focused on asthma awareness and management can also contribute to improved patient outcomes. The presence of these community resources enhances the overall 'Asthma Score' for Weaverville.

The 'Asthma Score' assessment is not a static metric. It is a dynamic evaluation that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. Factors such as changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of mental health resources can all impact the score over time. Regular reassessment is necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

The assessment of primary care availability in Weaverville is inextricably linked to the 'Asthma Score'. Adequate primary care access is essential for early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and ongoing management of asthma. Therefore, a high 'Asthma Score' requires a strong primary care foundation. This includes sufficient physician availability, reasonable wait times for appointments, and a commitment to providing comprehensive primary care services.

In conclusion, the 'Asthma Score' for Weaverville, NC (ZIP code 28787) is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all play a crucial role. The presence of specialists, certified asthma educators, and integrated mental health services significantly elevates the score. A strong primary care foundation is essential for effective asthma management.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Weaverville and to identify the locations of practices offering specific services, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool can help you visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your asthma care.