27979, Sunbury, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.18 percent of the residents in 27979 has some form of health insurance. 37.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.09 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 27979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27979. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 152 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 31 health care providers accessible to residents in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Sunbury, NC (ZIP Code 27979) – A Focus on Primary Care and COPD Management

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 27979 (Sunbury, North Carolina), assessing their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The goal is to provide a COPD Score analysis, evaluating factors crucial for COPD patient care, including physician availability, adoption of modern healthcare practices, and access to mental health support. This analysis will also consider the unique challenges presented by a rural setting.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational element of the COPD Score. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per PCP, generally translates to more individualized attention and potentially better disease management. However, the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Sunbury (27979) requires specific data. Publicly available sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) provide physician shortage designations, which can offer insight into the availability of PCPs. A shortage designation would negatively impact the COPD Score, indicating potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is critical. Are the physicians concentrated in a single practice, or are they spread across several locations, potentially increasing accessibility for patients? The presence of multiple practices generally contributes positively to the COPD Score, as it offers patients more choices and reduces the risk of being solely reliant on a single provider. Accessibility is further influenced by factors such as office hours, weekend availability, and the willingness of practices to accept new patients.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups, is particularly beneficial for COPD patients, especially in rural areas where travel can be a significant barrier. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will receive a higher score. This includes the use of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, which allow physicians to track patient’s condition remotely and intervene proactively. The ability to offer telehealth services can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions, thus positively impacting the COPD Score.

The presence of dedicated COPD management programs within primary care practices is another key indicator. These programs often involve specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, and patient education resources. Practices with structured COPD management programs will score higher than those without. These programs often include patient education on medication adherence, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications. The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation services, either within the practice or through referral networks, is also crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and positively affecting the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health services will receive a higher score. This includes on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists and psychiatrists, and integration of mental health screenings into routine care. The COPD Score will be enhanced by practices that understand the strong link between COPD and mental health.

Identifying standout practices within Sunbury (27979) requires detailed research. This involves reviewing online patient reviews, examining practice websites for information on services offered, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their COPD management strategies. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive disease management, and integration of mental health services are likely to be considered standout performers. The COPD Score is enhanced by practices demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care.

The availability of ancillary services is also a factor. This includes access to diagnostic testing, such as pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and imaging services, such as chest X-rays. Practices that offer these services on-site or have strong referral relationships with local providers will receive a higher score. Efficient access to these services is crucial for timely diagnosis, monitoring, and management of COPD. The COPD Score will be boosted by practices that ensure access to necessary diagnostic and therapeutic resources.

The availability of support groups and community resources specifically tailored to COPD patients also influences the COPD Score. These resources provide patients with opportunities for peer support, education, and access to information about local programs and services. Practices that actively promote these resources and collaborate with community organizations will receive a higher score. The COPD Score reflects a commitment to supporting patients beyond the clinical setting.

The overall COPD Score for primary care in Sunbury (27979) is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a robust primary care system well-equipped to manage COPD, while a low score suggests potential challenges in accessing comprehensive and coordinated care. The final COPD Score is a dynamic measure, influenced by changes in physician availability, adoption of new technologies, and the availability of support services.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score for Sunbury (27979) requires a detailed evaluation of the primary care landscape. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialized COPD management programs. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to COPD patients in this rural community.

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in Sunbury (27979), including physician locations, practice types, and potential areas of service gaps, explore the power of geospatial data visualization.
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