27712, Durham, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27712, Durham, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.91 percent of the residents in 27712 has some form of health insurance. 25.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.76 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 27712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,449 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27712. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,687 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 44,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 27712, Durham, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Durham, NC (ZIP Code 27712)

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care and COPD management within Durham, North Carolina, specifically focusing on ZIP code 27712. We will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and examine the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a COPD Score ranking, offering insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals living with or at risk of developing COPD.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and capable primary care. ZIP code 27712, encompassing a significant portion of Durham, is home to a diverse population, increasing the need for robust healthcare infrastructure. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced time spent with patients, and potentially, inadequate management of chronic conditions like COPD. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, when combined, allow for an estimation of this ratio. Further investigation should include analyzing the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code, considering factors like age, specialization, and practice size.

The quality of COPD care extends beyond the mere presence of physicians. It requires a comprehensive approach, including early diagnosis, accurate staging of the disease, and individualized treatment plans. Practices excelling in COPD management often employ a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses specializing in pulmonary care. They also prioritize patient education, providing resources on medication adherence, lifestyle modifications (such as smoking cessation), and strategies for managing exacerbations. Identifying standout practices involves analyzing patient reviews, evaluating the availability of specialized equipment like spirometers, and assessing their participation in quality improvement initiatives related to COPD care.

Telemedicine is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, and its impact on COPD management is significant. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patients' respiratory health. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in geographically underserved areas. Practices with robust telemedicine programs can offer more frequent check-ins, earlier intervention for exacerbations, and improved patient adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within ZIP code 27712 involves surveying primary care practices to determine the types of telemedicine services offered, the technology used, and the patient satisfaction with these services.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Individuals with COPD are at a higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These conditions can significantly impact their quality of life and adherence to treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, as well as screening tools for mental health conditions. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Evaluating the integration of mental health resources requires examining the referral pathways between primary care practices and mental health providers, as well as the availability of on-site mental health services.

The COPD Score ranking will be based on a composite of these factors. A higher score will indicate better access to primary care physicians, a greater emphasis on comprehensive COPD management, a more robust adoption of telemedicine, and a stronger integration of mental health resources. The ranking will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized COPD care teams, the availability of telemedicine services, the integration of mental health services, and patient satisfaction scores. The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within ZIP code 27712, as these factors can influence access to care and health outcomes.

The assessment of primary care availability in Durham, specifically within ZIP code 27712, requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not merely about counting the number of physicians. It is about understanding the quality of care, the integration of technology, and the availability of resources to support patients with COPD. The final COPD Score will reflect a comprehensive evaluation of these factors, providing a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This score will help identify areas for improvement and guide efforts to enhance the quality of COPD care within the community.

The analysis will also consider the impact of health insurance coverage on access to care. The prevalence of different insurance plans within the ZIP code, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, will be factored into the assessment. This will help to identify any disparities in access to care based on insurance status. Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the availability of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, that can assist patients with COPD in managing their condition.

This comprehensive approach will provide a nuanced understanding of the COPD care landscape in Durham, NC, and inform strategies to improve the health and well-being of individuals living with this chronic respiratory disease. The final COPD Score will be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Durham, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to telemedicine services, we encourage you to explore interactive maps.

**Take action now!** Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain further insights into the healthcare landscape of Durham, NC.