27845, Jackson, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.15 percent of the residents in 27845 has some form of health insurance. 28.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.08 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 27845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 456 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27845. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 453 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 467 health care providers accessible to residents in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care Landscape in Jackson, NC (ZIP Code 27845)

The landscape of primary care in Jackson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27845) presents a complex picture when viewed through the lens of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. Assessing the availability and quality of care for COPD patients requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis attempts to provide a COPD Score, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in this specific geographic area.

The first and perhaps most critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impact access to care, especially for chronic conditions like COPD, which require regular monitoring and management. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. However, simply calculating the raw number of physicians is insufficient. We must also consider the specialization of these physicians. How many are board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, the specialties most likely to serve as primary care providers for COPD patients? Furthermore, the age and practice status of these physicians are crucial. Are they actively practicing, or are they nearing retirement? This impacts the long-term sustainability of care.

Another vital aspect is the identification of standout practices. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This includes evidence-based treatment protocols, patient education programs, and proactive disease management strategies. Identifying these practices requires an in-depth review of their services. Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on COPD? Do they have dedicated staff, such as respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators, to support patients? Furthermore, the practice's patient satisfaction scores and reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Are patients satisfied with the level of care they receive? Are they able to easily access appointments and communicate with their providers?

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in rural areas like Jackson. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices involves determining whether they offer virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and secure communication platforms for patient-provider interaction. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of care for COPD patients, especially those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.

The often-overlooked component of COPD care is mental health. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices should be equipped to address these mental health needs. This includes screening patients for mental health conditions, providing access to mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists), and integrating mental health services into the overall care plan. Practices that actively address the mental health needs of their COPD patients demonstrate a commitment to holistic care and can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the availability of resources outside of the primary care setting is crucial. This includes access to respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and support groups. Are there local hospitals or clinics that offer these services? Are there community-based organizations that provide support and education to COPD patients? The presence of these resources can significantly enhance the quality of care and support the efforts of primary care providers.

Analyzing the primary care landscape in Jackson, NC, also requires an understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure. This includes the presence of hospitals, urgent care clinics, and pharmacies. The proximity of these facilities to primary care practices can impact the ease with which patients can access necessary services. For example, the availability of a nearby hospital with a pulmonary department can ensure that COPD patients have access to specialized care when needed.

Moreover, the socioeconomic factors of the community must be considered. The prevalence of COPD is often higher in underserved populations due to factors like smoking rates, environmental exposures, and access to healthcare. Understanding the socioeconomic profile of the community can help identify potential disparities in care and inform strategies to address them. This includes assessing the percentage of the population living below the poverty line, the level of education, and the access to health insurance.

Finally, the COPD Score is not a static measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the addition of new physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new programs. The ongoing monitoring of the COPD Score can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that COPD patients in Jackson, NC, receive the best possible care. This continuous assessment requires the collection and analysis of data from multiple sources, including physician directories, patient surveys, and healthcare quality reports.

The assessment of the primary care landscape in Jackson, NC, provides a snapshot of the current state of COPD care. While a definitive COPD Score requires a comprehensive data analysis, the framework outlined here provides a foundation for understanding the key factors that influence the quality and accessibility of care. This analysis underscores the importance of a holistic approach to COPD management, encompassing not only medical interventions but also mental health support, patient education, and access to community resources.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the primary care landscape in Jackson, NC (ZIP Code 27845), including the location of practices, access to resources, and demographics, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify gaps in care, and make informed decisions.