27504, Benson, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27504, Benson, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.25 percent of the residents in 27504 has some form of health insurance. 39.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.67 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 27504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,075 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27504. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,879 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,129 health care providers accessible to residents in 27504, Benson, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27504 & Primary Care Availability in Benson

Analyzing the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 27504 and the broader primary care landscape of Benson, North Carolina, necessitates a multifaceted approach. A "COPD Score," while not a formally recognized metric, will be used here to gauge the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized pulmonary care, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and overall accessibility.

ZIP code 27504, encompassing the town of Angier, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area, coupled with a potentially aging population, suggests a higher likelihood of individuals living with COPD. Understanding the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first crucial step. A low PCP-to-population ratio could indicate limited access to initial diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. Data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the zip code, and their patient load, would be essential for an accurate assessment.

Benson, located nearby, offers a broader perspective on primary care availability. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio for the town, and comparing it to state and national averages, provides a benchmark for assessing the adequacy of care. A shortage of PCPs could translate into longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these physicians within Benson is also important. Are they clustered in one area, leaving other parts of town underserved?

Standout practices in both locations should be identified. This requires looking beyond simple physician counts. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management would be highlighted. Factors to consider include the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs), which is crucial for diagnosis and monitoring. Does the practice employ certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) who can provide patient education and support? Are there dedicated COPD management programs that include regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling? Identifying practices with these characteristics would contribute positively to the "COPD Score."

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. For patients with COPD, regular check-ups and monitoring are vital. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in rural areas to access care more easily. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals would score higher in this area. The ability to remotely monitor patients' oxygen saturation levels, or to provide virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, can significantly improve outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in COPD care, but it is extremely important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This includes screening for mental health issues, providing counseling services, and coordinating care with mental health specialists. The availability of support groups for COPD patients and their families is also a valuable resource.

Accessibility is a key factor. This encompasses not only the physical location of the practices but also their hours of operation, insurance acceptance, and the availability of transportation assistance for patients who need it. Practices that are easily accessible, with convenient hours and a willingness to work with patients on payment plans, would be rated more favorably. Furthermore, the availability of translation services for non-English speaking patients is essential to ensure equitable access to care.

To further refine the "COPD Score," data on hospital readmission rates for COPD patients within the zip code and the surrounding areas would be extremely useful. High readmission rates could indicate a lack of effective disease management, poor patient education, or inadequate access to specialist care. Analyzing these rates, and comparing them to regional and national averages, would provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The "COPD Score" would also benefit from an assessment of the availability of pulmonary specialists. Are there pulmonologists or other respiratory specialists practicing within the zip code or in nearby areas? The ability to quickly access specialist care is crucial for patients with severe COPD. The presence of a pulmonologist who is readily available to provide consultation, diagnostic testing, and advanced treatment options would significantly improve the "COPD Score."

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape for COPD in ZIP code 27504 and Benson requires a comprehensive analysis. While a formal "COPD Score" is not a standardized metric, the factors discussed above provide a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialist care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall accessibility of care. By considering these factors, it is possible to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals living with COPD in these communities.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital access, and patient demographics, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify gaps in care, and make informed decisions to improve healthcare access and outcomes.