28364, Maxton, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 28364 has some form of health insurance. 48.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.46 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 28364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,605 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28364. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,136 health care providers accessible to residents in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Maxton, NC (ZIP Code 28364)**

The assessment of COPD care within Maxton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28364) requires a multi-faceted approach, examining the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. COPD, a chronic respiratory illness, disproportionately affects rural communities, making this analysis crucial for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Maxton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the overall COPD score. A low PCP density can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and increased hospitalizations. Data on physician-to-patient ratios is essential. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain resources and limit patient access. This analysis would need to assess the number of PCPs practicing within the 28364 ZIP code, comparing it to the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide this foundational information.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices’ adherence to COPD guidelines, the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) within the practice or readily accessible through referral, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine would score higher. Identifying standout practices within the area requires research into their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and the utilization of resources like respiratory therapists.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can hinder access to care. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Maxton is a significant factor in the COPD score. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management through telehealth platforms would receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring devices like pulse oximeters and the integration of these technologies into the patient's care plan.

The significant comorbidity of COPD with mental health conditions necessitates a focus on integrated mental health resources. Individuals with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges that can worsen their physical symptoms and overall quality of life. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric support, within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals is crucial. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and provide appropriate interventions or referrals would contribute positively to the COPD score. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals or established partnerships with local mental health providers.

A comprehensive COPD score would also evaluate the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their functional capacity. The presence of these programs within Maxton or nearby communities, and the ease of access for patients, is a critical component of the overall score. This includes assessing the referral process from primary care practices to these programs and the financial accessibility of the programs for patients.

The assessment should also take into account the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is a primary cause of COPD, and effective smoking cessation interventions are essential for preventing disease progression and improving patient outcomes. Practices that actively screen patients for smoking status, offer counseling, and prescribe smoking cessation medications would receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of nicotine replacement therapy and other cessation aids.

Further, the score should consider the patient's ability to access medications. This includes assessing the availability of affordable medications, the presence of pharmacy services within the community, and the practices' assistance with medication management, such as coordinating refills and providing education on proper medication use. The score should reflect the practices' efforts to address social determinants of health, such as transportation and food security, which can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their COPD.

The overall COPD score for Maxton, NC (28364) would be a composite of these factors. A higher score would indicate a healthcare environment that is more supportive of patients with COPD, with readily available primary care, a high physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health resources, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation and smoking cessation programs. Conversely, a lower score would indicate areas where improvements are needed to ensure that patients with COPD receive the best possible care.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of the population in Maxton, including age, race, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence the prevalence of COPD and the challenges patients face in accessing care. The analysis should consider these factors to provide a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.

Finally, the analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment. The adoption of new technologies, the availability of new treatments, and changes in healthcare policies can all impact the COPD score. Regular updates will ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for improving COPD care in Maxton.

For a visual representation of this data, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and the availability of telemedicine services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful tool for visualizing this data and identifying areas where resources are needed most.