27861, Parmele, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.23 percent of the residents in 27861 has some form of health insurance. 54.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.15 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 27861 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 110 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27861. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,397 health care providers accessible to residents in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27861 and Primary Care Availability in Parmele, NC

Analyzing the availability and quality of COPD care within ZIP Code 27861, which encompasses the town of Robersonville, and assessing primary care resources in the nearby community of Parmele requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all critical components for effective COPD management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "COPD Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the defined geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Robersonville and Parmele, the ratio is likely to be a significant factor. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), who often serve as the first point of contact for patients with respiratory issues, directly impacts the ease with which individuals can receive initial diagnoses, referrals, and ongoing management of COPD. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, delayed or inadequate care. Public health data, including information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, would be essential to determine the precise ratio for both locations. This data would then be compared to the state and national averages to determine the relative access to care.

Identifying "standout practices" necessitates a review of various factors. This includes the availability of pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory medicine. Practices that offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs), crucial for diagnosing and monitoring COPD, would be highly valued. The use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), is another key indicator. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in patient education programs, offering resources on smoking cessation, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, would score favorably. Patient testimonials and reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool, particularly in rural settings. Its adoption within the 27861 ZIP code and Parmele is crucial for improving access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients' vital signs, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and integrated them seamlessly into their workflows would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments, improving convenience and potentially reducing healthcare costs. The effectiveness of telemedicine in managing COPD has been demonstrated in numerous studies, highlighting its importance in improving patient outcomes.

The connection between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness, the physical limitations it imposes, and the social isolation it can cause. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive COPD care plan. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care models, either through on-site therapists or referral networks, would be considered superior. Access to mental health support can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce exacerbations, and enhance overall quality of life. The integration of behavioral health services is a key factor in a high "COPD Score."

Evaluating the "COPD Score" requires a holistic approach. The analysis should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the presence of patient education programs. A practice that excels in all these areas would receive a high score. Practices that struggle in one or more areas would need to address those deficiencies to improve their score. The "COPD Score" is not a static measure; it should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in healthcare practices and patient needs.

For Parmele, the analysis would emphasize primary care availability, as it is a smaller community and relies on surrounding areas for specialized care. The assessment would focus on the ease of access to PCPs, the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments, and the presence of any community health initiatives aimed at improving respiratory health. The proximity to Robersonville and other towns with more robust healthcare infrastructure would also be considered.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD care landscape in ZIP Code 27861 and Parmele requires a thorough examination of several factors. The "COPD Score" is a valuable tool for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care, and it can be used to identify areas for improvement. By focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a comprehensive assessment can be achieved. This analysis should be seen as a starting point for a more in-depth investigation.

To visualize and better understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and the prevalence of COPD cases, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape and the challenges faced by patients with COPD.