27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.99 percent of the residents in 27942 has some form of health insurance. 68.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.00 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 27942 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 69 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27942. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 27942, Harrellsville, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Harrellsville, NC (ZIP Code 27942)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and related resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Harrellsville, North Carolina (ZIP code 27942) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as a 'COPD Score,' considers several key factors impacting patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Harrellsville is a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio necessitates data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially compromised disease management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved outcomes. This initial assessment forms the foundation of the COPD Score, influencing subsequent evaluations.

Identifying standout primary care practices within the area is essential. This involves examining factors such as the availability of board-certified physicians, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices demonstrating a commitment to early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans, and patient education would receive higher marks. Specifically, the presence of spirometry testing capabilities within the practice is critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of COPD progression. Practices actively participating in COPD-focused continuing medical education would also be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in expanding access to care, particularly in rural areas like Harrellsville. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor patients' vital signs, and provide medication management can significantly improve COPD patients' quality of life. Practices embracing telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing platforms and remote monitoring devices, would receive a positive score. The ease of access to these technologies, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan are all critical considerations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are critically important. COPD can be a debilitating disease, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community is crucial. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, either on-site or through referral networks, would receive a higher score. Furthermore, the presence of support groups, educational programs, and access to mental health resources specifically tailored to COPD patients would be highly valued.

The COPD Score also considers the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs, which combine exercise, education, and support, are proven to improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for COPD patients. Practices that refer patients to reputable pulmonary rehabilitation programs or that offer such programs directly would receive favorable ratings. The accessibility of these programs, including factors such as location, cost, and program duration, is also a critical factor in the overall assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD, and quitting smoking is the most effective way to slow the progression of the disease. Practices that offer smoking cessation counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and referrals to smoking cessation programs would be recognized for their commitment to patient health. The availability of these resources, the expertise of the providers, and the success rates of the programs are all important considerations.

The COPD Score would be negatively impacted by factors such as limited access to specialists, long wait times for appointments, and a lack of patient education materials. Practices that demonstrate poor communication with patients, fail to adhere to evidence-based guidelines, or lack a commitment to continuous quality improvement would also receive lower scores. The overall goal is to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of COPD care in Harrellsville.

The assessment incorporates information on the availability of respiratory therapists. Respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the management of COPD, providing education, administering treatments, and monitoring patients' respiratory status. Practices that have access to respiratory therapists, either on-site or through referral networks, would be viewed positively. The expertise of the respiratory therapists and their integration into the overall care plan are also important considerations.

The analysis also examines the availability of home healthcare services. For some COPD patients, home healthcare services can provide essential support, including medication management, respiratory therapy, and assistance with daily living activities. The availability of these services, the quality of the providers, and the coordination of care between home healthcare providers and the patient's primary care physician are all important factors in the overall assessment.

The COPD Score is not merely a numerical ranking; it is a holistic evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem in Harrellsville. It considers the interconnectedness of various factors, from physician availability to mental health resources, to provide a comprehensive picture of the quality of care available to COPD patients. This detailed assessment aims to empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and work collaboratively to enhance the health and well-being of individuals living with COPD in this community.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Harrellsville, including physician locations, resource availability, and potential gaps in care, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where improvements are needed.