28105, Matthews, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28105, Matthews, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.35 percent of the residents in 28105 has some form of health insurance. 25.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.19 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 28105 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,551 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28105. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,770 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,991 health care providers accessible to residents in 28105, Matthews, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Matthews, NC (ZIP Code 28105)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28105 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to effective COPD management. It considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all critical components in delivering comprehensive care to COPD patients.

The analysis begins by acknowledging the inherent challenges in assessing a complex medical condition across a geographical area. While a precise, quantified "score" is difficult to derive without granular patient data, this analysis aims to provide a qualitative assessment based on publicly available information and industry best practices. The goal is to offer insights into the landscape of COPD care in Matthews, NC, enabling informed decision-making for patients and healthcare providers.

**Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per PCP, can potentially lead to reduced appointment availability and less time for individual patient care. Researching the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28105 ZIP code, alongside estimated population data, allows for calculating a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio, however, doesn't fully reflect access. Factors like insurance acceptance, patient demographics, and practice specialization significantly influence appointment availability.

Further research into appointment wait times for new and established patients at various practices is vital. This data, though often difficult to obtain directly, can be gleaned through patient reviews, online appointment booking platforms, and direct inquiries to practice offices. Practices with shorter wait times and readily available appointments would receive a higher score in this category.

**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics:**

Certain practices may demonstrate superior COPD management capabilities. These practices often have specialized expertise, utilize evidence-based treatment protocols, and offer comprehensive services. Identifying these "standout" practices involves examining several factors.

First, the presence of board-certified pulmonologists within or affiliated with the practice is a significant advantage. Pulmonologists possess specialized knowledge in respiratory diseases, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Second, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives related to COPD management are highly valued. These initiatives often involve adherence to national guidelines, regular patient monitoring, and proactive interventions to prevent exacerbations.

Third, the availability of on-site diagnostic testing, such as pulmonary function tests (PFTs), is essential. This allows for prompt and accurate assessment of lung function, facilitating timely treatment adjustments.

Finally, practices with dedicated COPD education programs for patients and their families are highly beneficial. These programs empower patients to actively manage their condition, leading to improved outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer several advantages, including increased patient access, reduced travel burdens, and improved medication adherence.

The COPD Score assessment considers the following aspects of telemedicine adoption:

* **Virtual consultations:** The availability of virtual appointments for routine follow-ups, medication management, and symptom monitoring.
* **Remote patient monitoring:** The use of wearable devices or home-based monitoring systems to track vital signs, such as oxygen saturation and heart rate.
* **Electronic communication:** Secure messaging platforms for communication between patients and their healthcare providers.
* **Educational resources:** The provision of online educational materials and support groups for COPD patients.

Practices that actively integrate telemedicine into their COPD care model receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and overall health outcomes. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care.

The COPD Score assessment evaluates the availability of mental health support in the following ways:

* **On-site mental health professionals:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists within the practice.
* **Referral networks:** The practice's ability to readily refer patients to qualified mental health providers in the community.
* **Integration of mental health screening:** The use of standardized screening tools to identify patients with mental health concerns.
* **Collaboration with mental health providers:** The practice's ability to coordinate care with mental health professionals to ensure integrated treatment.

Practices that prioritize mental health support and facilitate access to these resources receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to holistic patient care.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing COPD care in Matthews, NC (28105) involves a multi-faceted approach. While a definitive "score" requires in-depth patient data, this analysis provides a valuable framework for evaluating primary care practices. The assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care, including telemedicine integration and mental health support, are better positioned to provide optimal COPD management.

For a visual representation of primary care availability and practice locations in Matthews, NC, and to identify practices with specific characteristics, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize and analyze healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the landscape of COPD care in your area.