28054, Gastonia, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28054, Gastonia, North Carolina is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.11 percent of the residents in 28054 has some form of health insurance. 39.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.87 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 28054 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,146 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 19 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28054. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,488 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,143 health care providers accessible to residents in 28054, Gastonia, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Gastonia, NC (ZIP Code 28054)**

Gastonia, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28054) faces the challenge of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory ailment impacting a significant portion of the population. This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services within the zip code, focusing on factors critical for COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, offering insights for residents seeking care and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratio data for Gastonia (28054) is difficult to obtain publicly, regional and county-level data often suggest a need for more primary care physicians. This shortage can strain existing resources and negatively impact COPD patients, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Several primary care practices in Gastonia, however, demonstrate a commitment to COPD management. These practices often have specialized staff, such as respiratory therapists or nurses trained in pulmonary care. They may offer on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a critical diagnostic tool for COPD. Practices that proactively manage COPD patients through regular follow-up appointments, medication adherence support, and patient education programs generally receive higher scores in a COPD Score assessment. The presence of dedicated COPD clinics or specialized programs within a practice is a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is a growing trend in healthcare, and its impact on COPD care is substantial. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of patient symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, who may experience difficulty traveling to appointments or have mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for follow-up appointments and symptom management, are likely to receive a higher COPD Score. The use of remote patient monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation or peak flow, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in COPD management.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of the disease and the impact on their quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are viewed more favorably. The presence of support groups or educational programs addressing mental health issues related to COPD also contributes to a higher COPD Score.

Another key aspect of COPD care involves access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their overall well-being. The availability of accredited pulmonary rehabilitation programs within Gastonia (28054) is a significant factor in the COPD Score. Practices that actively refer patients to these programs demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care.

Beyond the immediate medical care, the overall healthcare infrastructure plays a role. The presence of hospitals with specialized pulmonary departments, access to respiratory therapists, and availability of home healthcare services all contribute to a more favorable environment for COPD patients. The COPD Score considers these factors, recognizing that a well-coordinated healthcare system is essential for effective COPD management.

The Gastonia (28054) COPD Score is a composite measure that reflects the availability, accessibility, and quality of care for COPD patients. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The score also considers the overall healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of specialized pulmonary departments and home healthcare services.

The analysis reveals that while Gastonia (28054) has dedicated primary care practices, the region faces some challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio may necessitate longer wait times. The adoption of telemedicine, while growing, could still be expanded to enhance accessibility. The availability of mental health resources, though present, could be further integrated into primary care practices.

For residents of Gastonia (28054) and surrounding areas seeking to understand the landscape of COPD care, a detailed mapping tool can prove invaluable. CartoChrome maps provides a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing individuals to identify practices, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. This tool empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care, connect with providers, and navigate the healthcare system more effectively.

Are you interested in exploring the healthcare landscape of Gastonia (28054) and beyond? Explore the CartoChrome maps to gain valuable insights into the availability of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your health.