28163, Stanfield, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28163, Stanfield, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.78 percent of the residents in 28163 has some form of health insurance. 27.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.86 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 28163 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,634 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28163. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 704 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,541 health care providers accessible to residents in 28163, Stanfield, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28163 and Primary Care Availability in Stanfield**

The health of a community is intricately linked to the accessibility and quality of its healthcare resources. This analysis delves into the landscape of COPD care within ZIP code 28163, encompassing the town of Stanfield, North Carolina, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related services. The analysis will assess the current state of healthcare delivery, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on the availability of primary care. In Stanfield, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio, suggesting a more readily available medical workforce, can facilitate early intervention and comprehensive management of COPD. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires analyzing data from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the North Carolina Medical Board, and healthcare provider directories. The analysis must account for the number of practicing PCPs within the designated ZIP code, factoring in those who are actively accepting new patients.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is essential. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Geographic accessibility is crucial, particularly for elderly patients and those with mobility limitations, who may find it difficult to travel long distances for appointments. The presence of satellite clinics, mobile health units, or home healthcare services can improve access for these vulnerable populations.

The quality of care is another key consideration. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to COPD treatment guidelines, the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the utilization of evidence-based interventions. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, such as those offered by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. The analysis should also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs), which can improve care coordination and facilitate data sharing among healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, particularly for those with chronic conditions like COPD. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services among PCPs in Stanfield, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring) and the extent of patient adoption.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis should evaluate the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community and the extent to which PCPs integrate mental health screening and treatment into their practice. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to mental health medications are all important factors.

Identifying standout practices is a valuable aspect of this analysis. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD care, whether through innovative approaches, high patient satisfaction, or exceptional outcomes. Standout practices may have implemented patient education programs, offered specialized services, or demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement. Recognizing these practices can serve as a model for others and help to disseminate best practices throughout the community.

Specific practice examples are difficult to provide without direct data access. However, a hypothetical example could be a practice that offers a comprehensive COPD management program, including regular pulmonary function testing, medication management, respiratory therapy, and patient education. Another standout practice might be one that actively utilizes telemedicine to provide remote monitoring and virtual consultations. These practices might also have a dedicated care coordinator who helps patients navigate the healthcare system and access needed resources.

The analysis must also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation programs. These services play a critical role in managing COPD symptoms, improving lung function, and preventing disease progression. The presence of these services within the community, or the ease of access to them, is an important indicator of the overall quality of COPD care.

Smoking cessation programs are particularly important, as smoking is the leading cause of COPD. The analysis should assess the availability of evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling, medication, and support groups. Practices that actively screen patients for smoking status and offer or refer patients to cessation programs are likely to achieve better outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence health outcomes. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can all impact a patient's ability to manage their COPD. The analysis should identify any disparities in care and suggest strategies to address them.

Overall, the COPD score for Stanfield and the surrounding ZIP code will be a composite of all these factors. A higher score will indicate better access to care, higher quality services, and more resources available to patients. This score, however, is just a starting point. It should be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance the health and well-being of the community.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare access and can help to identify areas with unmet needs.