28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.04 percent of the residents in 28338 has some form of health insurance. 35.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.90 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 28338 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 922 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28338. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 718 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,316 health care providers accessible to residents in 28338, Ellerbe, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Ellerbe, NC (ZIP Code 28338)

Ellerbe, North Carolina, a small town nestled within Richmond County, presents a unique challenge when considering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care. Analyzing the availability and quality of care for COPD patients requires a multifaceted approach, examining not just the number of physicians but also the resources available, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health services. This analysis will provide a COPD Score assessment, focusing on doctors within ZIP code 28338 and the broader primary care landscape in Ellerbe.

The foundation of any COPD Score assessment lies in the physician-to-patient ratio. Ellerbe, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. While precise physician counts are difficult to obtain publicly, the general trend in rural areas is a shortage of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and specialists crucial for COPD management. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and increased reliance on emergency room visits for exacerbations. The limited availability of specialists necessitates patients traveling to larger cities like Rockingham or even further afield for comprehensive COPD care. This travel burden adds to the physical and financial strain on patients already battling a debilitating disease.

Beyond physician numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Assessing "standout practices" in Ellerbe requires examining factors like patient satisfaction, adherence to COPD treatment guidelines, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Identifying practices that excel in these areas is crucial for directing patients to the best possible care. This involves scrutinizing practices' commitment to patient education, their use of evidence-based therapies, and their proactive approach to managing COPD symptoms and preventing exacerbations. Furthermore, evaluating the accessibility of these practices, considering factors like office hours, appointment scheduling, and insurance acceptance, is essential.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in rural areas like Ellerbe. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, receive medication management, and participate in virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The COPD Score analysis should consider the availability of telemedicine services offered by primary care practices and specialists serving the area. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, are likely to score higher in terms of patient access and care quality. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine also hinges on reliable internet access, which can be a challenge in some rural areas.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is the integration of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A comprehensive COPD Score assessment must evaluate the availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Primary care practices that screen patients for mental health issues and offer integrated mental health services or readily refer patients to mental health professionals will be rated more favorably. The presence of local support groups, such as those affiliated with the American Lung Association or other COPD-focused organizations, also contributes to a higher score.

Analyzing the availability of ancillary services is also critical. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. The COPD Score should reflect the accessibility of PFT services within Ellerbe or nearby communities. Additionally, access to smoking cessation programs is vital for preventing disease progression. Practices that offer or refer patients to evidence-based smoking cessation programs will receive higher marks. The availability of respiratory therapists, who play a crucial role in patient education and management, is another important consideration.

The COPD Score assessment should also consider the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better care coordination, allowing physicians to easily share patient information and track treatment progress. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are likely to provide more coordinated and efficient care. The ability to access patient records remotely and share them with specialists is particularly important in a rural setting.

Furthermore, the COPD Score should evaluate the practices' commitment to patient education. Patients with COPD need to understand their condition, medications, and self-management strategies. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education materials, offer individualized counseling, and encourage patient participation in their care will be ranked higher. This includes educating patients about inhaler techniques, recognizing exacerbation symptoms, and developing personalized action plans.

The overall COPD Score for Ellerbe, NC, will likely be influenced by the challenges inherent in rural healthcare. The limited physician-to-patient ratio, the potential for limited access to specialists, and the need for improved telemedicine infrastructure may negatively impact the score. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health services can significantly improve the score.

The analysis must also consider the demographic characteristics of the population. Ellerbe's population demographics, including age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of risk factors like smoking, will influence the disease burden and the need for COPD care. Understanding these demographics is crucial for tailoring care strategies and allocating resources effectively.

The final COPD Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the specific score will be a numerical representation of the findings, the underlying analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in Ellerbe. This analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement, advocate for increased resources, and ultimately, improve the lives of COPD patients in the community.

Ultimately, the availability of detailed, up-to-date information is paramount for effective COPD care. Mapping the resources and healthcare providers is essential for patients and healthcare professionals. To visualize the landscape of healthcare providers and resources in Ellerbe and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven maps that can help you identify physicians, specialists, and other resources relevant to COPD care. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area and make informed decisions about your health.