28340, Fairmont, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.79 percent of the residents in 28340 has some form of health insurance. 57.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.72 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 28340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,975 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28340. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,044 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,305 health care providers accessible to residents in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28340 & Primary Care Availability in Fairmont

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 28340, encompassing Fairmont, North Carolina, with a specific focus on their capacity to address the needs of patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We will evaluate various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive COPD care. The aim is to provide a nuanced 'COPD Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Fairmont, a town in Robeson County, faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural communities often experience disparities in access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD, which disproportionately affects older adults and those with a history of smoking. Therefore, understanding the local healthcare ecosystem is vital for residents and healthcare providers alike.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. Ideally, a higher ratio of physicians per capita would translate to easier access to appointments and more individualized care. However, rural areas often struggle with physician shortages. In ZIP code 28340, the physician-to-patient ratio likely falls below the national average, potentially creating bottlenecks for appointments and follow-up care. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of COPD symptoms, and increased hospitalizations. The local health department and regional hospital data would provide more accurate figures.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing superior care. They may employ specialized staff, such as respiratory therapists or certified COPD educators. They might also actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD management. Some practices could have implemented patient-centered care models, which emphasize shared decision-making and patient education. These practices often have better outcomes for their patients. A thorough review of patient reviews, hospital affiliations, and the presence of specialized certifications would help identify these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the geographic barriers that limit access to care in rural communities. Through video consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups, patients with COPD can receive timely medical advice, manage their symptoms effectively, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to have a higher COPD Score. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a significant factor in the success of telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD care, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Integrated care models that incorporate mental health services alongside pulmonary care are highly beneficial. Practices that offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health professionals, or support groups for COPD patients are likely to have a higher COPD Score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is crucial for providing holistic care.

The 'COPD Score' for physicians in ZIP code 28340 would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare environment for COPD patients, while a low score would highlight areas needing improvement. The score would be a dynamic metric, subject to change based on the evolution of healthcare practices and resources.

Assessing the specific practices in Fairmont requires in-depth investigation. We need to identify the primary care physicians in the area, their specializations, their affiliations with hospitals and other healthcare providers, and their patient satisfaction ratings. We would analyze their websites and marketing materials to determine if they offer telemedicine services, mental health support, and COPD-specific education programs. Gathering information from local healthcare organizations, patient advocacy groups, and community health centers is also essential.

The analysis would also consider the availability of respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and other specialized services crucial for COPD management. The proximity to hospitals with pulmonology departments and intensive care units is also important. The availability of emergency services and the response times of ambulances are also relevant factors, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare can be challenging.

The 'COPD Score' would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It could help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify practices that offer the best care, and understand the healthcare landscape in their community. Healthcare providers could use the score to assess their own practices, identify areas for improvement, and benchmark themselves against their peers. Policymakers could use the score to identify areas needing investment and to allocate resources effectively.

The analysis should also include a review of the local community's health literacy levels. COPD patients need to understand their condition, their medications, and the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation. Practices that provide patient education materials, offer support groups, and employ culturally sensitive communication strategies are likely to have better patient outcomes.

The data collected would be used to create a comprehensive report, including a detailed 'COPD Score' for each physician and practice in ZIP code 28340. The report would also include recommendations for improving COPD care in the area, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health services into COPD care. The report would be a valuable resource for improving the health and well-being of COPD patients in Fairmont and the surrounding communities.

The assessment is an ongoing process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare models emerging. Regular updates to the 'COPD Score' are essential to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The analysis should also incorporate feedback from patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to continuously improve its value.

Ultimately, a robust assessment of the healthcare environment in ZIP code 28340, focused on COPD, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves collecting and analyzing data from various sources, including physician databases, hospital records, patient surveys, and community health reports. It also requires a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare systems.

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