28369, Orrum, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.95 percent of the residents in 28369 has some form of health insurance. 49.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.87 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 28369 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 556 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28369. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 346 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,220 health care providers accessible to residents in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina.

The analysis will proceed as follows:

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28369 & Primary Care Availability in Orrum**

This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of primary care services, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP Code 28369 (likely encompassing areas around Lumberton, North Carolina) and the town of Orrum, North Carolina. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a COPD Score assessment.

The landscape of healthcare in this region is shaped by factors including rurality, socioeconomic conditions, and the prevalence of chronic diseases like COPD. Lumberton and surrounding areas face challenges common to many rural communities, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. Addressing these challenges is crucial for effective COPD management, which requires ongoing monitoring, medication management, and patient education.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility**

Determining precise physician-to-patient ratios requires accessing up-to-date, publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, we can make some general observations. Rural areas often experience a lower density of physicians compared to urban centers. This means that patients in 28369 and Orrum may face longer wait times for appointments and greater distances to travel to see a primary care physician (PCP). The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, who are critical for COPD care, is likely even more limited. This situation can contribute to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes for COPD patients.

The availability of primary care is especially critical in the management of COPD. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms. They are responsible for diagnosing COPD, initiating treatment plans, and coordinating care with specialists when necessary. The ability of patients to access a PCP promptly is therefore a key factor in controlling the disease and preventing exacerbations.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices**

The characteristics of primary care practices in the area significantly influence the quality of care provided. Factors to consider include the size of the practice, the types of services offered, and the use of technology. Larger practices may have more resources, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and specialized staff, which can improve patient convenience and care coordination. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management are more likely to provide effective care.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. This would involve evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to national guidelines, and the availability of patient education materials. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including actively involving patients in their treatment plans, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information among healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to improve access to care in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially lowering wait times. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, who may have difficulty traveling to appointments due to their respiratory symptoms.

The adoption of telemedicine varies among practices. Some practices may offer virtual consultations for routine follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education. Others may use remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and symptoms, allowing for early detection of exacerbations. The success of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient and provider acceptance of the technology, and appropriate reimbursement policies.

**Mental Health Resources**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, access to mental health resources is an important aspect of comprehensive COPD care.

The availability of mental health services in 28369 and Orrum needs careful assessment. This includes the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers in the area, as well as the availability of mental health support groups and counseling services. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their COPD care plans are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing coordinated and effective care.

**COPD Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, a COPD Score can be generated. This score would be a composite measure reflecting the overall availability and quality of COPD-related care in the region. The score would take into account physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The COPD Score would be a valuable tool for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 28369 and Orrum. It could be used to identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources. The score could also be used to track progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving COPD care.

**Conclusion**

Improving COPD care in 28369 and Orrum requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the challenges of rural healthcare. This includes increasing the availability of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and ensuring access to mental health resources. By addressing these issues, the region can improve the quality of life for COPD patients and reduce the burden of this chronic disease.

**Call to Action**

For a detailed, visual representation of healthcare resources in 28369 and Orrum, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialized care, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that allow you to visualize healthcare data and make informed decisions about your health and well-being.