28358, Lumberton, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.84 percent of the residents in 28358 has some form of health insurance. 49.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.84 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 28358 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28358. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,002 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,359 health care providers accessible to residents in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Lumberton, NC (ZIP Code 28358)

The health landscape of Lumberton, North Carolina, particularly concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), necessitates a thorough examination. Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, alongside the resources dedicated to managing COPD, is crucial for understanding the well-being of the community. This analysis will provide a COPD Score assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all within the context of ZIP code 28358.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and competent primary care. Lumberton's primary care availability is a critical factor in this assessment. The physician-to-patient ratio in the area presents a significant challenge. A limited number of primary care physicians, coupled with a population that may be disproportionately affected by COPD due to factors like smoking rates and environmental exposures, can strain the healthcare system. This potentially leads to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, compromised care. The impact on COPD patients, who require regular monitoring and management, can be particularly detrimental.

Examining the specific practices within Lumberton reveals a mixed picture. Some practices may stand out for their proactive approach to COPD care. These might include practices that utilize spirometry testing for early diagnosis, offer comprehensive patient education programs on disease management, and actively participate in pulmonary rehabilitation. Such practices would receive higher scores in this analysis. Conversely, practices that lack these resources, or that struggle with efficient patient flow and coordination of care, would contribute to a lower overall COPD Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in Lumberton. Telemedicine, which includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources, can bridge geographical barriers, improve access to specialists, and empower patients to manage their condition more effectively. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, would be viewed favorably. The degree to which telemedicine is integrated into the standard of care is a key indicator of a practice’s responsiveness to the needs of COPD patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is therefore crucial. Practices that recognize the link between COPD and mental health, and that actively screen for and address these issues, would be highly regarded. The presence of integrated mental health services, or strong referral networks to mental health professionals, is a positive indicator of a practice’s commitment to holistic patient care.

The overall COPD Score for Lumberton (ZIP code 28358) will be a composite of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be weighted heavily, as it is a fundamental determinant of access to care. The presence of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will then be factored in, providing a more nuanced picture of the healthcare landscape. The final score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the system.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD prevalence and management must also be considered. Lumberton, like many rural communities, may face challenges related to poverty, limited access to transportation, and health insurance coverage. These factors can exacerbate the difficulties faced by COPD patients, and they must be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of the healthcare system. The COPD Score should reflect the ability of the healthcare system to address these challenges and provide equitable care to all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The analysis should also consider the local hospital's role in COPD management. Does the hospital have a dedicated pulmonary unit? Does it offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs? Is there a strong collaboration between primary care physicians and pulmonologists? The hospital's resources and its level of engagement in COPD care are essential elements. The hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care, including emergency services for exacerbations, is critical for patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis will delve into the availability of specialized COPD-related services. Are there respiratory therapists available to provide education and support? Are there smoking cessation programs readily accessible? The availability of these specialized services is essential for comprehensive COPD management. The analysis will assess the presence and accessibility of these resources within the Lumberton community.

The COPD Score should not only reflect the current state of healthcare but also provide insights into areas for improvement. Identifying gaps in care, such as a lack of telemedicine adoption or insufficient mental health resources, can inform strategies to enhance COPD management. This analysis will serve as a roadmap for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve the health outcomes of individuals living with COPD in Lumberton.

The analysis should also incorporate data on patient outcomes, such as hospitalization rates for COPD exacerbations and mortality rates. These outcomes provide a direct measure of the effectiveness of COPD management within the community. The analysis should correlate these outcomes with the factors discussed above, such as physician-to-patient ratios and telemedicine adoption, to identify the key drivers of success and areas that require attention.

In conclusion, the COPD Score analysis for Lumberton (ZIP code 28358) will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. It will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system, highlight areas for improvement, and ultimately contribute to better COPD management and improved patient outcomes. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the current state of COPD care in Lumberton.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Lumberton and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing COPD management? Explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps. Discover how location-based insights can transform your understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation.