27917, Barco, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27917, Barco, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 71.86 percent of the residents in 27917 has some form of health insurance. 44.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.71 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 27917 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 93 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27917. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,083 health care providers accessible to residents in 27917, Barco, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Barco, NC (ZIP Code 27917)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and associated resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Barco, North Carolina (ZIP code 27917) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical factors impacting the overall COPD score. The goal is to assess the landscape and identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Barco, this ratio can significantly impact the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and consistent medical attention. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for regular check-ups, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Assessing the precise ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 27917 ZIP code and the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board can provide this information, but the data must be cross-referenced and updated.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the area is crucial. Are the PCPs concentrated in a single clinic or hospital system, or are they spread across several practices? The geographic distribution impacts access, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. A concentrated system might offer greater efficiency in terms of shared resources and specialist access, but it could also create bottlenecks if the system is overwhelmed. Conversely, a more dispersed network might offer greater convenience for some patients but could also lead to fragmentation of care.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key elements. Does a practice specifically focus on respiratory care, or do they have a dedicated pulmonologist on staff? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Do they employ certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) who can provide specialized education and support to COPD patients? Patient reviews and testimonials, although subjective, can offer valuable insights into the quality of care, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience. The availability of evening or weekend appointments is also a factor, particularly for patients who work or have other commitments during regular business hours.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical component of the COPD score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, including reduced travel time, increased convenience, and the potential for more frequent monitoring. Remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, can transmit vital signs to physicians, allowing for early detection of exacerbations and proactive intervention. The availability of telehealth consultations for medication management, education, and psychological support is also vital. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer these services, the technologies they utilize, and the extent to which they are integrated into their overall care plans.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial for addressing these issues. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning. This analysis needs to identify the availability of mental health services within the 27917 ZIP code, including the types of services offered, the qualifications of the providers, and the ease of access.

The overall COPD score for Barco, NC (27917) will be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust primary care system with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily available telemedicine services, access to mental health resources, and standout practices that prioritize respiratory care. A low score would indicate the opposite – limited access to care, a lack of telemedicine options, insufficient mental health support, and practices that may not be well-equipped to manage COPD effectively.

The analysis process must consider the potential limitations of the data. Publicly available data may not always be completely up-to-date or comprehensive. Patient reviews can be biased. The availability of specific services may change over time. Therefore, the COPD score should be considered a snapshot in time and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final assessment must consider the unique challenges faced by COPD patients in a rural area. Transportation limitations, socioeconomic factors, and the availability of social support networks can all impact access to care and the ability to manage the disease effectively. A comprehensive analysis must take these factors into account to provide a realistic and actionable assessment of the COPD score.

Finally, the analysis should provide actionable recommendations for improving the COPD score. These recommendations might include strategies for recruiting more PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, and promoting best practices in COPD management. The goal is to empower patients, providers, and policymakers to work together to create a healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of COPD patients in Barco, NC (27917).

For a visual representation of the data, including geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and patient demographics, we strongly encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize complex healthcare data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Barco and beyond.