28146, Salisbury, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28146, Salisbury, North Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.05 percent of the residents in 28146 has some form of health insurance. 42.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.19 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 28146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,001 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,934 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 28146, Salisbury, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Salisbury, NC (ZIP Code 28146)

This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care and its capacity to address Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Salisbury, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28146 ZIP code. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of resource availability, physician practices, and the integration of modern healthcare approaches. This evaluation culminates in a COPD Score, a composite metric reflecting the overall preparedness of the local healthcare ecosystem to effectively manage COPD patients. The analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. In Salisbury (28146), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, public data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians compared to the national average. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and challenges in establishing consistent, long-term care relationships. The COPD Score will reflect the impact of this ratio, penalizing areas with demonstrably higher patient-to-physician burdens.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the 28146 ZIP code is crucial. These are practices that may demonstrate excellence in COPD management through various indicators. These could include adherence to established COPD guidelines, proactive patient education programs, readily available pulmonary function testing (PFT), and a commitment to patient-centered care. Practices that actively participate in community outreach and education initiatives will also receive higher scores. The analysis will identify these practices and assess their impact on the overall COPD Score.

Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to enhance COPD care, especially in areas with limited access to specialists or mobility challenges. The adoption of telemedicine platforms by primary care providers in 28146 is a significant factor in this analysis. Practices that embrace telehealth for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs will be viewed favorably. The COPD Score will reward practices that utilize technology to improve patient access and convenience, particularly for follow-up appointments and routine check-ins.

The complex nature of COPD often necessitates addressing the psychological and emotional well-being of patients. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation are common comorbidities that can significantly impact disease progression and quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is therefore a key component of the COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health professionals will receive higher scores. The analysis will assess the accessibility and integration of these crucial resources.

The COPD Score is not simply a sum of individual factors; it represents a holistic assessment of the healthcare environment. The score will be calculated based on a weighted system, giving greater emphasis to factors that have a more direct impact on patient outcomes. This includes the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a score, and the final COPD Score will be a composite of these individual scores.

The analysis will also consider the presence of specialized pulmonary care within and near the 28146 ZIP code. While primary care is the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists and respiratory therapists is crucial for patients with more complex needs. The proximity and availability of these specialists will influence the overall COPD Score. The ease of referral processes and the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists will also be assessed.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of patient support groups and educational programs. These resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition. Practices that actively promote and support these resources will be recognized. The COPD Score will reflect the importance of patient education and self-management strategies.

The COPD Score will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Salisbury (28146) for COPD patients. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. The score will also serve as a benchmark for future evaluations, allowing for the tracking of progress and the identification of best practices. This score can guide patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in making informed decisions about COPD care in the community.

Finally, the analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. Disparities in access to care, insurance coverage, and social determinants of health can significantly impact COPD outcomes. The COPD Score will reflect the awareness of these factors and the efforts made by healthcare providers to address them. This may include providing care to underserved populations and addressing health disparities.

The final COPD Score will be presented as a numerical value, accompanied by a detailed narrative explaining the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring. The score will be accompanied by actionable recommendations for improving COPD care in Salisbury (28146). These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources. The analysis will also identify potential areas for collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

Ultimately, the goal of this COPD Score analysis is to promote better COPD care in Salisbury (28146). By providing a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare environment, this analysis aims to empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to improve the lives of individuals living with COPD. This includes improving patient outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and reducing the burden of COPD on the community.

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