28135, Polkton, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28135, Polkton, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 62.34 percent of the residents in 28135 has some form of health insurance. 33.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.01 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 28135 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28135. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 792 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,630 health care providers accessible to residents in 28135, Polkton, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the availability and quality of COPD care, specifically focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28135 (Polkton, North Carolina) and the surrounding area. This evaluation considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all vital components of a comprehensive COPD Score.

Polkton, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas regarding healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of chronic conditions like COPD. Precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient data is difficult to obtain publicly, as it fluctuates. However, publicly available data, such as county-level statistics, and information from healthcare directories can provide a reasonable estimate. The analysis would need to compare the ratio in 28135 to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. This involves examining several factors. Firstly, the experience and qualifications of the PCPs are key. Board certification in internal medicine or family medicine, along with experience in managing respiratory illnesses, are crucial. Secondly, the practice's commitment to evidence-based COPD management is paramount. This includes adherence to guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), which emphasize the importance of spirometry for diagnosis, pulmonary rehabilitation, and appropriate medication use. Thirdly, the availability of ancillary services is significant. Practices with on-site spirometry testing, respiratory therapists, and access to pulmonary specialists enhance COPD care. Fourthly, patient reviews and satisfaction scores, when available, provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits for COPD patients, particularly in rural areas. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be burdensome for patients with breathing difficulties. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of vital signs, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations with specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering services like virtual check-ups, remote patient monitoring, and educational resources, receive a higher score. The level of technological infrastructure within the practice, including the availability of secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals, is also considered.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of COPD care, yet are critical. 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 receive a higher score. This includes having on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or providing referrals to counseling services. Screening for mental health conditions during routine check-ups and integrating mental health support into the COPD management plan are vital components of comprehensive care. The availability of support groups and educational materials on managing the psychological aspects of COPD also contribute to a positive score.

Evaluating the specific practices in 28135 requires a comprehensive search of online directories, insurance provider networks, and patient reviews. The analysis would involve identifying all PCPs within the ZIP code and gathering information on their qualifications, practice characteristics, telemedicine capabilities, and access to mental health resources. Each practice would be assessed based on the criteria described above, and a COPD Score would be assigned. The score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area. The analysis would identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting practices that excel in COPD management and areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis would also take into account the availability of pulmonary specialists and other respiratory therapists in the area. While PCPs are the first point of contact for COPD patients, access to specialists is essential for complex cases and advanced treatment options. The distance to the nearest pulmonary specialist and the ease of referral from PCPs are important factors. Furthermore, the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the area is crucial. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The final COPD Score for the area would be a composite score, reflecting the combined assessment of all the factors discussed. The score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of COPD care in 28135. It would also serve as a guide for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers looking to improve their services. The analysis would highlight areas where healthcare providers are excelling and areas where improvements are needed. This information can then be used to develop strategies to improve COPD care in the community.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all affect a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. The analysis would assess the extent to which local healthcare providers are addressing these challenges, for example, by offering financial assistance programs, providing transportation services, or using plain language to communicate with patients. The analysis would also consider the availability of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, that can help patients manage their condition.

In conclusion, evaluating the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP code 28135, Polkton, requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area.
To visualize the location of these physicians and their practices, and to understand the broader healthcare landscape, consider exploring the power of location intelligence. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear, interactive view of the data, allowing you to identify the best options for your care.