28150, Shelby, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28150, Shelby, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.63 percent of the residents in 28150 has some form of health insurance. 47.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.28 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 28150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28150. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,973 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 949 health care providers accessible to residents in 28150, Shelby, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Shelby, NC (ZIP Code 28150)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians and resource availability within Shelby, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28150), focusing on factors relevant to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The COPD Score, in this context, is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals living with COPD. It considers factors such as physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care**

One of the foundational elements of the COPD Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Shelby, like many rural areas, faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention. The availability of primary care physicians, particularly those with expertise in pulmonology or a demonstrated interest in respiratory health, is paramount. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, while not the sole determinant of quality, generally correlates with improved access to care, shorter wait times, and more opportunities for preventative interventions.

Analyzing publicly available data from sources such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, we can estimate the physician-to-patient ratio in 28150. This data, however, needs careful interpretation. The number of practicing physicians must be compared to the total population, and further refined to account for the percentage of the population over 65, the age group most susceptible to COPD. This refinement provides a more accurate picture of the physician availability for those most in need.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is critical. Even with a seemingly adequate overall ratio, disparities can exist. Patients living in certain areas might face longer travel times to access care, potentially hindering regular check-ups and necessary treatments. The analysis should factor in the proximity of clinics and hospitals to various residential areas within Shelby.

**Standout Practices and Their Approaches**

Identifying standout practices is a key component of the COPD Score. These practices demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive COPD care. We seek to identify practices that actively employ evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and utilize innovative approaches to patient management.

Key indicators of a strong COPD-focused practice include:

* **Specialized Staff:** Presence of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses with specialized training in COPD management.
* **Comprehensive Diagnostic Capabilities:** Availability of spirometry testing, chest X-rays, and other diagnostic tools necessary for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Offering educational resources on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
* **Care Coordination:** Implementing systems to coordinate care with specialists, home healthcare providers, and other members of the patient's care team.
* **Regular Monitoring:** Establishing protocols for regular follow-up appointments and monitoring of lung function.

The practices demonstrating these characteristics would be given a higher score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve COPD care, particularly in rural areas. It can reduce travel burdens, facilitate more frequent monitoring, and provide access to specialist consultations. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among Shelby’s primary care practices is crucial.

The analysis should evaluate:

* **Telemedicine Platforms:** The types of telemedicine platforms used by practices, including their ease of use and compatibility with patient needs.
* **Services Offered:** The range of telemedicine services available, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Gathering data on patient satisfaction with telemedicine services, including their accessibility and effectiveness.
* **Integration with Existing Systems:** Assessing how well telemedicine is integrated with the practice's electronic health record (EHR) system.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine and are actively using it to improve patient care will receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

COPD can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the COPD Score.

The analysis should investigate:

* **Mental Health Services:** The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, within the community.
* **Integration of Mental Health:** How well primary care practices integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their COPD care.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of COPD support groups or other peer support programs.
* **Access to Counseling:** The ease with which patients can access counseling services to manage their mental health needs.

Practices that prioritize mental health support and have established referral pathways will be viewed favorably.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Evaluating the COPD Score for Shelby, NC (28150) requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating data on physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape and to provide insights that can inform improvements in COPD care.

The analysis is an ongoing process, requiring continuous monitoring and evaluation. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, with new technologies, treatment options, and care delivery models constantly emerging.

To visualize the geographic distribution of physicians, access to care, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to create interactive visualizations and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Shelby, NC, and beyond.**