28138, Rockwell, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28138, Rockwell, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.71 percent of the residents in 28138 has some form of health insurance. 33.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.61 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 28138 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,668 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28138. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,598 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,347 health care providers accessible to residents in 28138, Rockwell, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Rockwell, NC (ZIP Code 28138)

Analyzing the COPD landscape within Rockwell, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28138) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative healthcare practices, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in a "COPD Score" that reflects the overall accessibility and efficacy of care for individuals managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within this specific geographical area.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible primary care. Rockwell, a predominantly rural community, may face challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, crucial for COPD patients. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can provide a preliminary estimate of this ratio within the 28138 ZIP code. Further investigation into the number of practicing primary care physicians, including family doctors and internal medicine specialists, is essential.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Are practices equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, such as spirometry machines, essential for accurate COPD diagnosis and monitoring? Do physicians demonstrate a strong understanding of COPD management guidelines, including the use of inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation programs? Assessing the practices’ accreditation status and patient satisfaction scores, readily available through online reviews and patient surveys, can provide valuable insights into the level of care provided.

Standout practices within the Rockwell area should be identified. These are clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate excellence in COPD care. This could include practices that actively participate in COPD-focused research, offer specialized pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or have a proven track record of positive patient outcomes. Identifying these "best-in-class" providers is crucial for guiding patients toward the most effective care options. Investigating the practice's commitment to patient education, including readily available resources on COPD management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, is also essential.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in Rockwell utilize telemedicine platforms for COPD management is crucial. Do they offer virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, or remote monitoring of vital signs? The availability of these technologies can greatly enhance the convenience and accessibility of care.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a vital component of COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referral networks is essential. Do practices have partnerships with mental health professionals, or do they offer in-house counseling services? Are there readily available resources for patients struggling with anxiety or depression related to their condition? Addressing these mental health needs is crucial for improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The "COPD Score" for Rockwell (28138) will be a composite metric derived from these various factors. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of COPD care available within the ZIP code. It will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialized diagnostic tools, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

The final score would be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to and quality of COPD care. The score could be further broken down into sub-scores for each of the key factors analyzed, providing a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape. For instance, a sub-score for "Physician Access" could reflect the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of appointment slots. A sub-score for "Technology Adoption" could reflect the use of telemedicine and remote monitoring tools.

To compile this data, a comprehensive investigation is required. This would involve contacting primary care practices in the 28138 ZIP code, reviewing online resources, and analyzing publicly available data. The findings would then be synthesized to create the "COPD Score" and provide a detailed analysis of the healthcare landscape in Rockwell.

This comprehensive analysis allows us to assess the overall health of the COPD community within the area. The assessment is not just a numerical value, but a holistic view of the resources available. This includes access to care, the quality of care, and the incorporation of mental health services.

The goal is to create a clear picture of the COPD landscape, so patients and caregivers can make informed decisions. This also helps local healthcare providers identify areas of improvement.

For a visual representation of this data and the ability to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Rockwell, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the "COPD Score" and other relevant data, making it easier to understand the healthcare landscape and identify areas of need.