27829, Fountain, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27829, Fountain, North Carolina is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.82 percent of the residents in 27829 has some form of health insurance. 59.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.72 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 27829 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 151 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 110 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27829. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 640 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,228 health care providers accessible to residents in 27829, Fountain, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27829 and Primary Care Availability in Fountain

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within ZIP code 27829 and the town of Fountain, North Carolina. The evaluation considers factors crucial for COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This information aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing COPD within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and responsive primary care. ZIP code 27829, encompassing Fountain and surrounding areas, presents a unique challenge. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient visit, and potentially compromised care quality. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare directories, can be used to calculate this ratio. The analysis will determine if the physician-to-patient ratio in 27829 meets the needs of the population, particularly considering the potential prevalence of COPD, often associated with a higher need for frequent medical attention.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is critical. Identifying standout primary care practices within 27829 requires examining various factors. These include the credentials and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment for COPD diagnosis and management (e.g., spirometry), the presence of certified respiratory therapists, and the practice's commitment to patient education and self-management strategies. Reviews from patients, accessible through online platforms and local community resources, offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication effectiveness, and the overall patient experience. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to COPD management, such as offering regular follow-up appointments, providing individualized care plans, and actively engaging patients in their treatment, should be highly regarded.

Telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Its adoption within 27829 is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine allows patients to receive consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for those with mobility issues or living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine services, the types of services available (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs), and the ease of access for patients. The presence of telehealth infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity in the area, will also be considered.

COPD often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. The chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, and the associated lifestyle changes can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within primary care practices or readily accessible in the Fountain area. This includes assessing the availability of mental health counseling, support groups, and access to psychiatric medication management. The integration of mental health services into the overall COPD care plan is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The assessment of primary care availability and quality also considers the integration of ancillary services that support COPD management. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which provide structured exercise and education to improve lung function and overall well-being. The availability of smoking cessation programs is another critical factor, as smoking is a primary cause of COPD. The analysis will determine the presence of these programs within the Fountain area and their accessibility to patients.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialist care, such as pulmonologists, within a reasonable travel distance from Fountain. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of COPD management, access to specialists is crucial for more complex cases or when advanced interventions are required. The analysis will evaluate the proximity of pulmonologists and the ease of referral from primary care practices.

The findings of this analysis will be synthesized into a COPD Score, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of primary care services for COPD patients in 27829. The score will be based on a weighted evaluation of the factors discussed above, with greater emphasis placed on factors that directly impact patient outcomes, such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final COPD Score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the healthcare landscape in Fountain and identifying areas for improvement. It can be used by healthcare providers to identify gaps in service, by patients to make informed decisions about their care, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The analysis will also highlight any exemplary practices or initiatives that are contributing to improved COPD care in the area.

This comprehensive analysis offers a detailed overview of the healthcare landscape in Fountain, North Carolina, focusing on primary care resources relevant to COPD management. The analysis considered various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape in detail? Explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and make informed decisions.