28901, Andrews, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28901, Andrews, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.33 percent of the residents in 28901 has some form of health insurance. 47.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.78 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 28901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 996 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28901. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,412 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 685 health care providers accessible to residents in 28901, Andrews, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Andrews, NC (ZIP Code 28901)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within Andrews, North Carolina, specifically ZIP code 28901, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on asthma care, primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an "Asthma Score" assessment. This score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Andrews, a relatively rural community, faces potential challenges in this regard. Assessing the PCP-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The availability of PCPs directly impacts asthma management, as these physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial assessments, medication prescriptions, and ongoing care coordination.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is essential. Are practices clustered in one area, making access difficult for residents in more remote locations? This spatial analysis is critical to understanding true accessibility. The presence of urgent care facilities or walk-in clinics can mitigate some of the challenges associated with PCP availability, especially for acute asthma exacerbations. However, reliance on these facilities should not replace the need for consistent, ongoing care from a primary care provider.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs must be considered. This includes evaluating the experience and training of physicians in asthma management. Do practices have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses? Are they up-to-date on the latest asthma guidelines and treatment protocols? The Asthma Score will factor in the presence of specialized expertise within the available primary care practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services by PCPs in Andrews is vital. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community and the extent to which PCPs collaborate with mental health professionals to provide integrated care. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health providers, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the availability of educational resources on the link between asthma and mental health.

Specific practices within ZIP code 28901 will be evaluated based on their performance across these key areas. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration is a key objective. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the practice's commitment to patient education, and evaluating its use of technology to improve patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio will be meticulously calculated using publicly available data, such as information from the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards. This data will be cross-referenced with information on the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code. The resulting ratio will provide a clear picture of the availability of primary care services.

The Asthma Score itself will be a composite metric, incorporating data from all of the above categories. The score will be calculated based on a weighted scoring system, with each category assigned a specific weight reflecting its relative importance. For example, PCP availability and the quality of care provided might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, although the latter is still essential. The final score will be presented on a scale, providing a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in Andrews.

The analysis will also consider potential barriers to care, such as transportation limitations, insurance coverage issues, and language barriers. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and utilize healthcare services. The Asthma Score will incorporate an assessment of these barriers and their impact on patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score analysis will provide a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access and quality for asthma patients in Andrews, NC (ZIP code 28901). It will highlight strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare system, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The assessment will focus on the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the physician-to-patient ratio. This comprehensive analysis aims to inform and empower individuals managing asthma in this community.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points within Andrews, NC, and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their platform provides a powerful tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare services and identifying areas with limited access.