28379, Rockingham, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28379, Rockingham, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.98 percent of the residents in 28379 has some form of health insurance. 51.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.75 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 28379 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,451 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28379. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,503 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 670 health care providers accessible to residents in 28379, Rockingham, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on the quality of COPD care within ZIP code 28379, a geographic area that encompasses the town of Rockingham, North Carolina, and assesses the availability of primary care resources. This evaluation considers key factors impacting COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of exceptional medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health support, all critical components for effective COPD care.

Rockingham, nestled in Richmond County, faces challenges common to rural areas, including potential shortages in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, can directly translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially compromised management of chronic conditions like COPD. Accurate, up-to-date physician-to-patient ratio data requires constant monitoring and can fluctuate. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the US Census Bureau, and professional medical organizations provides a framework for calculating these ratios, but the actual number of practicing physicians, particularly those accepting new patients, is a critical consideration.

The quality of primary care in Rockingham is pivotal for COPD management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing COPD symptoms. They play a crucial role in diagnosis, initial treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The availability of PCPs accepting new patients, their experience in managing COPD, and their adherence to established clinical guidelines all significantly impact patient outcomes. Identifying standout practices within the 28379 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. Patient reviews, publicly available quality metrics (if available), and physician participation in professional development programs all contribute to a practice's reputation. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and have a dedicated respiratory therapy team are likely to provide superior COPD care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in rural settings. Its adoption within Rockingham's healthcare landscape is a crucial factor in this COPD Score analysis. Telemedicine offers several advantages for COPD patients, including remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations with specialists, and medication management support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and patient education resources, are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care. The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, depends on factors such as patient access to technology, digital literacy, and reliable internet connectivity. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the 28379 ZIP code involves evaluating the number of practices offering these services, the types of services provided, and the ease of access for patients.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is mental health support. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources within Rockingham is a crucial component of the COPD Score. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who specialize in chronic illness management is vital. Practices that integrate mental health screening into their COPD care plans and have established referral pathways to mental health services are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is essential for providing comprehensive and coordinated care.

The COPD Score analysis for doctors in ZIP code 28379 is a dynamic assessment. It is not a static ranking but a snapshot in time, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. The score considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The weighting of these factors may vary depending on the specific needs of the patient population and the availability of data. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to COPD patients in Rockingham, enabling informed decision-making and highlighting areas for improvement.

This assessment is not a simple numerical score. It involves a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. The analysis incorporates data from multiple sources, including public health agencies, professional medical organizations, and patient feedback. The final COPD Score reflects a composite view of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the 28379 ZIP code.

For instance, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio might be offset by its exceptional telemedicine program and robust mental health support. Conversely, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio but limited telemedicine options and no mental health resources might receive a lower overall score. The analysis emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to COPD care, recognizing that effective management requires addressing both physical and mental health needs.

The analysis will consider the availability of specialized pulmonary care within the region. Access to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is crucial for managing COPD. Practices with strong relationships with these specialists and programs are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The analysis will also assess the availability of patient education resources, such as COPD support groups, educational materials, and smoking cessation programs. Patient education is essential for empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively.

The assessment is not intended to be a definitive ranking. It is a tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Rockingham. It is designed to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the resources available for COPD care and to identify areas for improvement. The COPD Score is a living document, constantly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, clinic accessibility, and the availability of specialized services, we encourage you to explore the visual insights offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective on the healthcare landscape in Rockingham and beyond, enabling informed decision-making and supporting effective COPD care.