27819, Conetoe, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27819, Conetoe, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.52 percent of the residents in 27819 has some form of health insurance. 57.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.78 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 27819 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 297 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 109 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27819. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 42 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,775 health care providers accessible to residents in 27819, Conetoe, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27819 and Primary Care Availability in Conetoe**

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians, particularly concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, within ZIP Code 27819 and the surrounding area of Conetoe, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify any standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the accessibility of mental health resources, all critical components of effective COPD care. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. In ZIP Code 27819, and more specifically in the rural area of Conetoe, this ratio is likely a significant concern. The availability of primary care physicians is often inversely proportional to the population density. Rural communities often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, contributing to a shortage of healthcare professionals. This scarcity can be particularly detrimental for patients with chronic conditions like COPD, who require regular monitoring and management.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various factors. These include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory medicine, the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the implementation of comprehensive COPD management programs. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD treatments and management strategies also demonstrate a commitment to providing cutting-edge care. Furthermore, the integration of patient education programs, including smoking cessation counseling and self-management techniques, is crucial. These practices often have better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a critical tool for bridging the gap in healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. For COPD patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for medication management, symptom monitoring, and providing timely interventions to prevent exacerbations. The extent of telemedicine adoption in ZIP Code 27819 and Conetoe should be assessed by examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers.

The interplay between physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which can exacerbate their physical symptoms and worsen their overall quality of life. The availability of mental health resources, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis must assess the presence of mental health professionals within the primary care practices, the availability of mental health services within the community, and the degree to which primary care physicians are trained to screen for and address mental health concerns in their COPD patients.

Specific examples of practices within ZIP Code 27819 that demonstrate excellence in COPD management would be invaluable. Identifying those that have invested in advanced diagnostic equipment, such as high-resolution CT scanners for assessing lung function, or those that have established partnerships with respiratory therapists to provide comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs, would be beneficial. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) that allow for seamless communication between specialists, primary care physicians, and patients is also a key indicator of quality care.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for COPD patients and their families. Patient support groups provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support. Educational resources, such as pamphlets, online materials, and workshops, can empower patients to actively participate in their care and manage their symptoms effectively.

The primary care availability in Conetoe is a critical point of focus. Conetoe, being a rural community, likely faces significant challenges in accessing primary care services. The analysis must specifically examine the number of primary care physicians serving Conetoe residents, the distance patients must travel to access care, and the availability of transportation services for those with limited mobility. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics in Conetoe would be particularly important, as these facilities often provide affordable and accessible care to underserved populations.

Assessing the quality of care requires examining patient outcomes data, such as hospitalization rates, exacerbation frequency, and patient satisfaction scores. While obtaining such data can be challenging, efforts should be made to gather information from available sources, such as state health departments or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health on COPD outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, housing conditions, and exposure to environmental pollutants can significantly influence a patient's ability to manage their COPD. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving health equity.

The final analysis will synthesize all of the above elements to create a comprehensive COPD score for the area. This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care within ZIP Code 27819 and Conetoe. This score will provide a valuable benchmark for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27819 and Conetoe, particularly concerning COPD management, requires a comprehensive analysis. The physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play critical roles. By analyzing these factors, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards ensuring that all patients with COPD receive the high-quality care they deserve.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27819 and Conetoe, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare access and quality.