27505, Broadway, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27505, Broadway, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.03 percent of the residents in 27505 has some form of health insurance. 32.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.13 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 27505 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27505. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 894 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,234 health care providers accessible to residents in 27505, Broadway, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Broadway, NC (27505) - A Primary Care Landscape

This analysis examines the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) in and around Broadway, North Carolina (ZIP code 27505), with a particular focus on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. The goal is to provide a COPD Score, a relative assessment of the area's preparedness to address the needs of COPD patients, taking into account physician availability, access to resources, and innovative healthcare delivery models.

The COPD Score, in this context, is a qualitative assessment based on the available data and insights. It is not a numerical ranking, but rather a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care ecosystem in Broadway and its surrounding areas. The analysis considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized resources, and the adoption of technologies that can improve patient care.

**Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**

Broadway, being a relatively small community, likely experiences challenges common to rural areas regarding physician access. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau provides a baseline. This ratio, however, is just a starting point. The distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas is also important. Are physicians clustered in specific locations, creating potential access barriers for patients in more remote areas?

The availability of PCPs also needs to be considered alongside the prevalence of COPD within the community. While precise COPD prevalence data for Broadway is difficult to obtain, national and state averages can provide a benchmark. A higher-than-average prevalence, coupled with a lower-than-average physician-to-patient ratio, would negatively impact the COPD Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout primary care practices within the area is crucial. These practices often serve as models for best practices in COPD management. Key indicators of a strong practice include:

* **Specialized Staff:** Do practices employ nurses or respiratory therapists with specific COPD training?
* **Comprehensive Care Plans:** Do they have established protocols for COPD diagnosis, treatment, and patient education?
* **Coordination of Care:** Do they effectively coordinate care with pulmonologists, physical therapists, and other specialists?
* **Patient Education:** Do they offer patient education programs on topics like medication adherence, inhaler technique, and lifestyle modifications?

The presence of such practices significantly elevates the COPD Score. Their success can serve as a model for other practices in the area.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients. Key considerations include:

* **Availability of Telemedicine Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and patient education?
* **Remote Monitoring Capabilities:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and spirometers, to track patient health and intervene proactively?
* **Technical Infrastructure:** Is the area equipped with reliable internet access, which is essential for effective telemedicine delivery?

Widespread telemedicine adoption would significantly boost the COPD Score, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD:**

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial factor in the COPD Score. This includes:

* **Access to Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists available in the area?
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Do primary care practices screen for mental health conditions and offer referrals to mental health specialists?
* **Support Groups:** Are there support groups for COPD patients and their families?

The presence of robust mental health support services would have a positive impact on the COPD Score, as it addresses a critical aspect of holistic patient care.

**Specific Considerations for Broadway (27505):**

Broadway's rural nature presents both challenges and opportunities. The limited population density may translate to fewer PCPs and specialists. However, the close-knit community could potentially foster strong relationships between patients and providers.

The analysis should also consider the presence of any community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in the area. These centers often serve underserved populations and may offer specialized COPD care programs.

**Overall Assessment and COPD Score:**

Based on the available information, the COPD Score for Broadway (27505) is likely to be moderate, with potential areas for improvement. The analysis highlights the need for more detailed data regarding physician availability, the presence of specialized resources, and the adoption of telemedicine and mental health services.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the primary care landscape in Broadway, NC, is crucial for improving COPD patient outcomes. A comprehensive assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, provides a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a more in-depth visual analysis of physician locations, access to care, and potential gaps in service, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help visualize the data discussed in this analysis, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.