27973, Shawboro, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27973, Shawboro, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.36 percent of the residents in 27973 has some form of health insurance. 28.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.44 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 27973 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 202 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27973. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 240 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 214 health care providers accessible to residents in 27973, Shawboro, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Shawboro, NC (ZIP Code 27973)

Analyzing the availability and quality of COPD care in Shawboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27973) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will examine the landscape of primary care physicians, assess their capacity to manage COPD patients, and evaluate the presence of supporting resources. This analysis, a “COPD Score” assessment, provides a snapshot of the current state, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement.

The foundation of COPD care in Shawboro rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to overburdened practices, longer wait times for appointments, and potentially compromised care quality. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. While precise physician-to-patient ratios require access to comprehensive, real-time data, publicly available sources can provide a general estimate. Based on population data for Shawboro and the surrounding area, coupled with information on the number of practicing PCPs within a reasonable radius (e.g., 10-15 miles), we can estimate a baseline. This baseline is then adjusted based on factors like the age distribution of the population (older populations are more susceptible to COPD) and the prevalence of smoking habits in the region.

Beyond the raw numbers, the qualifications and experience of the PCPs are paramount. Are they board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine? Do they have specific training or expertise in pulmonary medicine? The presence of physicians with specialized COPD knowledge significantly enhances the quality of care. This includes the ability to accurately diagnose COPD, stage the disease, and develop personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, the ability to provide comprehensive care, including medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and smoking cessation counseling, is essential.

Standout practices within the Shawboro area often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD management. These practices may have dedicated staff trained in respiratory care, such as respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators. They may also utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function. Furthermore, a strong emphasis on patient education is a hallmark of high-quality COPD care. This includes educating patients about their condition, medications, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle modifications that can improve their quality of life. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, fostering a sense of partnership, often achieve better outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages, especially for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. It enables remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, virtual consultations with physicians, and access to educational resources. This can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improve medication adherence, and provide timely intervention in case of exacerbations. The extent to which practices in Shawboro have embraced telemedicine technologies, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, directly impacts the COPD Score. Practices that are early adopters of telemedicine often demonstrate a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their COPD care model demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. This may involve partnerships with local mental health providers or the presence of mental health professionals within the practice.

Another important aspect of the COPD Score is the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The presence of a pulmonary rehabilitation program within a reasonable distance of Shawboro, or the availability of referrals to such programs, is a significant positive factor. Access to these programs empowers patients to take an active role in their care and improve their functional capacity.

The COPD Score also considers the availability of smoking cessation resources. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and cessation is the most effective way to slow the progression of the disease. Practices that offer smoking cessation counseling, medication assistance, and support groups are more likely to achieve positive outcomes for their patients. The integration of smoking cessation programs into the overall COPD care model is a critical component of comprehensive care.

Furthermore, the COPD Score should assess the availability of emergency services and hospital care. COPD exacerbations can be life-threatening, and timely access to emergency medical care is essential. The proximity of a hospital with a dedicated pulmonary unit or respiratory therapy services is a significant factor in the overall COPD Score. The ability to provide prompt and effective treatment during exacerbations is a critical aspect of managing the disease.

Finally, the COPD Score should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of support services. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients with COPD in Shawboro have access to the best possible care.

For a more detailed and visually informative assessment of healthcare resources in Shawboro, including physician locations, practice specialties, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape, empowering you to make informed decisions about your care.