27214, Browns Summit, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27214, Browns Summit, North Carolina is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.06 percent of the residents in 27214 has some form of health insurance. 32.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.64 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 27214 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,564 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27214. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,082 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,773 health care providers accessible to residents in 27214, Browns Summit, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Browns Summit, NC (ZIP Code 27214)

Browns Summit, North Carolina, nestled within the 27214 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for COPD management. Analyzing the available resources and physician accessibility reveals a nuanced picture of care quality, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. This analysis focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive 'COPD Score' assessment.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in readily accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). Browns Summit, being a smaller community, likely experiences a lower concentration of PCPs compared to larger metropolitan areas. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for 27214, allows for a preliminary calculation. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for COPD patients. This is particularly concerning given the progressive nature of the disease.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, further complicates the picture. While PCPs often serve as the first point of contact, timely referrals to specialists are vital for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment plans, and management of exacerbations. The distance to the nearest pulmonology practices, typically located in larger cities like Greensboro or Winston-Salem, becomes a significant factor. Travel time, especially for patients with breathing difficulties, can be a considerable barrier to accessing specialized care.

Identifying standout practices within the 27214 ZIP code requires in-depth research. This includes evaluating patient reviews, assessing the breadth of services offered (e.g., pulmonary function testing, smoking cessation programs), and determining the practice's commitment to COPD-specific care. Practices actively participating in COPD research, utilizing evidence-based guidelines, and demonstrating a patient-centered approach would naturally score higher. These practices often prioritize early detection, comprehensive treatment plans, and patient education, contributing to better outcomes.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers a promising avenue for improving COPD care in Browns Summit. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication management, and monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering virtual check-ups, remote monitoring of vital signs, and educational resources, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to COPD management. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is, of course, a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is mental health. Living with COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, support groups, and psychiatric services, is crucial for holistic patient care. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or readily available referrals to mental health providers in the area significantly impacts the overall COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their COPD care plans demonstrate a deeper understanding of the patient's needs.

Combining all these factors, we can begin to formulate a 'COPD Score' for Browns Summit. This score would be a composite measure reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of COPD care available within the 27214 ZIP code. The score would be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a community with robust resources, readily accessible care, and a patient-centered approach. A low score would signal areas for improvement, such as the need for more PCPs, increased access to specialists, greater telemedicine adoption, and enhanced mental health support.

To further refine the 'COPD Score' and gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Browns Summit, a deeper dive into specific practice characteristics is necessary. This includes analyzing the qualifications of the physicians, the types of equipment available, the insurance plans accepted, and the patient satisfaction ratings.

Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the COPD population in Browns Summit is crucial. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation can significantly impact access to care and treatment adherence. Public health data, combined with local community resources, can provide valuable insights into these demographic factors.

The 'COPD Score' is not a static measure; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare availability and quality. As new practices open, existing practices evolve, and telemedicine technologies advance, the score will need to be adjusted to accurately reflect the current state of COPD care in Browns Summit.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower patients, providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about COPD care in Browns Summit. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, we can work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for individuals living with this chronic respiratory disease.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Browns Summit, including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health resources, explore the power of spatial data analysis.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Browns Summit and beyond? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource distribution. Contact us today to learn more!**