28906, Murphy, North Carolina Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 28906, Murphy, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.31 percent of the residents in 28906 has some form of health insurance. 51.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.70 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 28906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,848 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28906. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,397 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 715 health care providers accessible to residents in 28906, Murphy, North Carolina.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Murphy, NC (ZIP Code 28906)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Murphy, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28906) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will consider factors impacting asthma management, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the integration of mental health services, ultimately forming an “Asthma Score” assessment. This score, though not a single numerical value, will reflect the overall landscape of asthma care access and quality in this specific geographic area.

The initial assessment focuses on physician-to-patient ratios. The density of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial. A higher PCP-to-population ratio generally indicates better access to initial asthma diagnosis and management. However, simply counting physicians is insufficient. The specialties represented within the PCP pool are important. Are there board-certified allergists and pulmonologists readily accessible? These specialists are critical for managing complex asthma cases and providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards, combined with information from insurance providers, would be necessary to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio and specialty distribution accurately. This data point forms a foundation for the Asthma Score.

Next, we delve into the characteristics of the medical practices themselves. Are practices accepting new patients? This is a fundamental hurdle. Long wait times to see a PCP or specialist significantly impede asthma care. The availability of after-hours care, including urgent care options, is another key factor. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and prompt access to care is essential. Practices that offer extended hours or have established relationships with urgent care facilities will score higher. Furthermore, the presence of asthma-specific education programs within the practices is beneficial. Patient education regarding triggers, medication adherence, and self-management techniques is crucial for controlling asthma symptoms. Practices actively promoting patient education contribute positively to the overall Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Murphy. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs. For asthma management, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies, including video conferencing and remote patient monitoring devices, will receive a higher score. This integration is especially impactful for patients with mobility limitations or those residing far from medical facilities. The availability of telehealth services directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their significance cannot be overstated. Asthma is a chronic condition that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of mental health services, either within the primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals, is vital. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling services, or that have established partnerships with mental health providers, will score higher. This integrated approach acknowledges the holistic nature of patient well-being and significantly improves the overall Asthma Score.

Standout practices within the 28906 ZIP code would be those demonstrating excellence in several areas. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, accepting new patients, and offering extended hours would be highly regarded. A practice actively embracing telemedicine for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, while also providing asthma education programs, would be considered exceptional. Furthermore, a practice that seamlessly integrates mental health services into its asthma care model would receive the highest accolades. Identifying these standout practices requires detailed data collection and analysis, but their existence would significantly elevate the overall Asthma Score for the area.

The Asthma Score is not static. It is a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to account for changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health services. Continuous monitoring ensures the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Murphy, NC (ZIP Code 28906) is a composite assessment based on physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resource availability. While a precise numerical score is not provided here, the framework outlined highlights the key elements that contribute to the quality and accessibility of asthma care in this specific geographic area. The evaluation underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare, encompassing not only medical treatment but also patient education, mental health support, and innovative technologies like telemedicine. A higher Asthma Score reflects a more favorable environment for asthma patients, promoting better symptom control, improved quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs.

To visualize and analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and patient demographics, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing complex data and gaining valuable insights into healthcare access and disparities.