27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.21 percent of the residents in 27948 has some form of health insurance. 25.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.76 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 27948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,947 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27948. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 847 health care providers accessible to residents in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Kill Devil Hills, NC (ZIP Code 27948)

Analyzing the availability of quality COPD care within Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27948) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the physicians practicing in the area, the accessibility of primary care, the integration of technology, and the availability of supporting mental health resources. The objective is to provide a comprehensive COPD Score assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Kill Devil Hills is a crucial starting point. This ratio, reflecting the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists per capita, significantly influences access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for COPD patients. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare providers needs to be collected to determine the actual ratio. Preliminary research suggests that the Outer Banks region, including Kill Devil Hills, may face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, which could impact the ratio negatively.

Primary care availability is intertwined with the physician-to-patient ratio. The ease with which patients can secure appointments with PCPs is a key indicator of accessibility. PCPs are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms, and their ability to promptly diagnose and refer patients to specialists is critical for effective COPD management. Factors influencing primary care availability include the number of practices accepting new patients, the hours of operation, and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments. Examining patient reviews and surveying local healthcare providers will help to assess the availability.

Identifying standout practices within Kill Devil Hills is essential. These practices likely demonstrate best practices in COPD care, such as comprehensive patient education, proactive disease management strategies, and strong patient-physician communication. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care, their use of evidence-based guidelines, and their positive patient outcomes. A review of patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes data (where available), and practice profiles will assist in identifying these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the COPD Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital education programs, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide more frequent check-ins, personalized care plans, and remote monitoring of vital signs, leading to better disease control and reduced hospitalizations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of technologies used, and patient satisfaction with these services is essential.

The availability of mental health resources is an often-overlooked aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is crucial for addressing these issues and improving overall quality of life. Evaluating the availability of mental health providers in the area, the integration of mental health services into COPD care, and the availability of support groups will contribute to the COPD Score.

The Outer Banks Hospital, while located outside of Kill Devil Hills, serves as a central healthcare provider for the region. Its capabilities, including pulmonology services and respiratory therapy, directly impact the COPD Score. The hospital's reputation, its access to advanced diagnostic tools, and its collaboration with local primary care practices will be key factors in the analysis.

To formulate a comprehensive COPD Score, data from these various areas must be collected and analyzed. The score will be a weighted average, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in COPD care. The final score will provide a clear picture of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in Kill Devil Hills.

Ultimately, the COPD Score will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their care. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and to address healthcare disparities.

This analysis will provide a framework for understanding the current state of COPD care in Kill Devil Hills. It highlights the need for continued efforts to improve access to care, to promote the adoption of evidence-based practices, and to address the mental health needs of COPD patients. The final COPD Score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of COPD care in the community.

For a visually engaging and interactive map of healthcare resources in Kill Devil Hills and the Outer Banks, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant data, explore CartoChrome maps.