27893, Wilson, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27893, Wilson, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.80 percent of the residents in 27893 has some form of health insurance. 45.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.24 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 27893 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,791 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27893. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,894 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,078 health care providers accessible to residents in 27893, Wilson, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care in Wilson, NC (ZIP Code 27893)**

Wilson, North Carolina, a city steeped in history and community, faces the ongoing challenge of providing accessible and effective healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care in the 27893 ZIP code, assessing its strengths and weaknesses in relation to COPD management. The goal is to understand the resources available to patients and identify areas for improvement.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) forms the bedrock of COPD care. Regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education are crucial for controlling the disease. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers. A high ratio, on the other hand, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a potential for fragmented care. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and fluctuate, publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board, provides valuable insights. These sources, combined with local health reports, paint a picture of the general availability of PCPs in Wilson. The analysis considers the number of practicing PCPs within the 27893 ZIP code, the population size, and the presence of any underserved populations.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care, utilizing best practices and patient-centered approaches. These practices often integrate pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and nurses experienced in COPD management. They may offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, provide patient education programs, and actively monitor patients’ conditions. The presence of these resources significantly enhances the quality of care. Furthermore, the analysis examines the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination. A well-integrated EHR system improves the efficiency of care delivery, allowing physicians to access patient information quickly and share it seamlessly with other healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to expand access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. It allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management. The analysis investigates the extent to which primary care practices in Wilson have embraced telemedicine. It considers the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the overall care plan. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, allowing them to receive timely care and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in COPD management, yet they are vital. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis considers the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves. This includes the presence of on-site therapists or counselors, the use of screening tools for mental health conditions, and the referral pathways to specialized mental health providers. Integrated mental health services can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life. The analysis assesses the availability of support groups, educational programs, and other resources that promote mental well-being.

The analysis also considers the presence of specialized COPD programs. Some practices offer comprehensive programs that include pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation counseling, and patient education. These programs are designed to empower patients to manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. The analysis examines the availability of these programs, their components, and their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. It also considers the practices’ participation in clinical trials or research studies related to COPD.

Another factor is the accessibility of pharmacies and medication management services. COPD patients often require multiple medications, and adherence to the prescribed regimen is crucial. The analysis considers the proximity of pharmacies to primary care practices, the availability of medication counseling services, and the practices’ efforts to help patients manage their medications. This includes the use of medication reconciliation tools, the provision of refill reminders, and the assistance with obtaining financial assistance for medications.

The analysis also considers the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management. These guidelines, developed by organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), provide recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The analysis assesses the practices' use of these guidelines, their adherence to best practices, and their commitment to continuous quality improvement. It considers the practices’ participation in quality improvement initiatives, their use of performance metrics, and their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

The overall COPD score is a composite measure, taking into account all the factors discussed above. It is not a single number but a nuanced assessment of the primary care landscape in Wilson, NC. The score reflects the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the commitment to patient-centered care. The score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and improvement. It is not a definitive judgment but a snapshot of the current situation. The score is designed to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in Wilson.

The findings of this analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement. This includes increasing the number of PCPs, expanding the use of telemedicine, integrating mental health services, and promoting the adoption of evidence-based guidelines. The analysis can also be used to identify best practices and to share them with other practices. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of care for COPD patients in Wilson, NC, and to improve their overall quality of life. The analysis will also highlight the importance of patient education and empowerment. Patients who are well-informed about their condition and who actively participate in their care are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

Finally, to visualize these complex factors and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and patient needs, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization.

**Call to Action:**

Ready to visualize the primary care landscape in Wilson, NC, and uncover the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and patient needs? Explore the power of data visualization with **CartoChrome maps**. Discover how location intelligence can transform your understanding of healthcare accessibility and improve outcomes for COPD patients.