28036, Davidson, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28036, Davidson, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.02 percent of the residents in 28036 has some form of health insurance. 18.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.00 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 28036 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,708 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 52 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28036. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,191 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,849 health care providers accessible to residents in 28036, Davidson, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Davidson, NC (ZIP Code 28036)

This analysis evaluates the quality of COPD care available to residents of Davidson, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28036 ZIP code. We will assess primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a COPD Score assessment. This analysis aims to give a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for COPD sufferers in this specific area.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies within accessible and high-quality primary care. In Davidson, primary care availability is a critical factor. Assessing this requires examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28036 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in the population size to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, less comprehensive care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more individualized attention. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, along with local hospital and clinic websites, can provide the necessary information to calculate this ratio accurately.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves looking at the practices' adherence to established COPD guidelines, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Practices that actively implement these guidelines, including spirometry testing for diagnosis, regular pulmonary function assessments, and personalized treatment plans, are more likely to provide superior care. Furthermore, the availability of specialized COPD education programs for patients, smoking cessation support, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation services are all vital components of comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices within the 28036 ZIP code requires more than just a simple count of physicians. It involves evaluating the reputation of the practices, which can be gauged through patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. Positive reviews often highlight physicians' communication skills, empathy, and the overall patient experience. Additionally, looking at the qualifications and specializations of the physicians is essential. Board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with a specific interest in respiratory medicine within the primary care setting can significantly enhance the quality of COPD care.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those experiencing frequent exacerbations. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, offering both scheduled appointments and secure messaging options, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management. Assessing the availability of telemedicine within the practices in Davidson is a key element of our COPD Score.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is particularly relevant in COPD. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their condition and the impact on their quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. This includes access to on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health professionals who can provide counseling and support. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer referrals to appropriate specialists, and integrate mental health considerations into their treatment plans demonstrate a holistic approach to COPD care.

The COPD Score itself will be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will be presented in a way that is easily understandable, allowing residents of Davidson to assess the quality of COPD care available in their community. The higher the score, the better the overall healthcare environment for COPD patients.

The analysis of the data will involve a combination of publicly available information, including physician directories, hospital websites, and insurance provider networks. Patient reviews and testimonials will also be considered, providing valuable insights into the patient experience. The data will be analyzed to identify trends and patterns, allowing us to draw conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the COPD care landscape in Davidson.

This analysis is not merely a snapshot of the current situation; it is also intended to identify areas for improvement. By highlighting the best practices and the areas where the healthcare system can be strengthened, this analysis can serve as a catalyst for positive change. This could involve encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine, improving access to mental health resources, and promoting the implementation of evidence-based COPD guidelines.

The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the COPD care landscape in Davidson, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, patients can actively participate in their own care and advocate for improvements.

Ultimately, the quality of COPD care in Davidson depends on a collaborative effort involving physicians, healthcare providers, patients, and the community as a whole. This analysis serves as a starting point for this collaborative effort, providing a foundation for improving the lives of individuals living with COPD in the 28036 ZIP code.

For a visual representation of the data, including geographic distribution of physicians, practice locations, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps can help you visualize the information and make informed decisions about your healthcare.