27943, Hatteras, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27943, Hatteras, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.33 percent of the residents in 27943 has some form of health insurance. 36.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.27 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 27943 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 117 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27943. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 33 health care providers accessible to residents in 27943, Hatteras, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hatteras, NC (ZIP Code 27943)

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, particularly the Hatteras Island region encompassed by ZIP code 27943, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis will delve into the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically evaluating the resources available to individuals diagnosed with COPD within this geographically isolated area. We will assess factors impacting COPD care, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, ultimately aiming to generate a "COPD Score" for this specific locale.

The remoteness of Hatteras Island is a primary factor influencing healthcare access. The island's limited infrastructure and distance from major medical centers in mainland North Carolina create inherent difficulties for patients requiring specialized care. This isolation directly affects the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical metric in assessing healthcare accessibility. Precise figures are difficult to ascertain without a comprehensive, real-time analysis of all registered physicians and the current population. However, it is reasonable to assume that the ratio is less favorable compared to more densely populated areas. This means fewer primary care physicians are available to serve a smaller population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of COPD management. Regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education are vital for disease control. The quality of primary care within Hatteras, therefore, significantly impacts the COPD Score. The analysis should consider the number of primary care practices, the services they offer (e.g., pulmonary function testing), and the availability of specialized respiratory therapists. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to share patient information seamlessly with specialists are essential for efficient care coordination.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating those that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management. This includes practices actively participating in COPD-specific education programs, offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and employing nurses or respiratory therapists with specialized COPD training. These practices would likely have a higher COPD Score. Assessing patient satisfaction and the implementation of evidence-based COPD guidelines would further differentiate these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in overcoming the geographical limitations of Hatteras Island. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialist consultations. The availability of telemedicine services for COPD management, including virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs, and access to educational resources, directly contributes to a higher COPD Score. The success of telemedicine depends on reliable internet connectivity, patient willingness to use the technology, and the practice's investment in telemedicine infrastructure.

The psychological impact of COPD should not be overlooked. Living with a chronic respiratory illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive COPD care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices are crucial. This includes the ability to screen for mental health conditions, provide counseling, and prescribe medications when necessary. A practice that recognizes and addresses the mental health needs of its COPD patients would significantly improve its COPD Score.

The COPD Score for Hatteras, NC (27943) would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. A higher score would indicate better access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, robust telemedicine integration, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score would suggest limitations in these areas, potentially leading to poorer patient outcomes.

The challenges of delivering healthcare in a remote, geographically isolated area like Hatteras Island necessitate innovative solutions. The COPD Score analysis highlights the need for continuous improvement in primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort from healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

To gain a more granular understanding of healthcare resources within ZIP code 27943, including the precise locations of practices, their service offerings, and patient demographics, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer detailed, interactive visualizations of geographical data, enabling a deeper dive into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and the identification of potential gaps in care.