28383, Rowland, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28383, Rowland, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.88 percent of the residents in 28383 has some form of health insurance. 49.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.52 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 28383 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,721 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28383. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,191 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,999 health care providers accessible to residents in 28383, Rowland, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Rowland, NC (ZIP Code 28383)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Rowland, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28383). It focuses on primary care physician (PCP) access, resource availability, and the overall healthcare ecosystem, aiming to provide a comprehensive COPD Score assessment. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing this chronic respiratory illness.

The foundation of COPD care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. Rowland, a rural community, presents unique challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-doctor interaction, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), needs to be consulted to ascertain the precise PCP-to-population ratio within 28383. This number is the starting point for understanding the overall access to care.

Beyond the simple ratio, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are the existing physicians concentrated in a single practice, or are they dispersed throughout the community? A dispersed network might offer greater convenience for patients, reducing travel time and improving accessibility. Conversely, a concentrated practice could potentially foster greater collaboration among physicians, leading to a more integrated approach to patient care. This aspect is vital for the COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are the clinics or individual physicians demonstrating excellence in COPD management. This can be assessed by examining factors such as patient reviews, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and adherence to established COPD guidelines. Practices actively involved in patient education, offering support groups, and integrating respiratory therapists into the care team are likely to score higher. The COPD Score considers these factors.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant area of evaluation. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, especially in rural settings. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management support can improve disease control and reduce hospitalizations. The extent of telemedicine implementation by local practices directly impacts the COPD Score. The availability of telehealth services is particularly important for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, yet they are vitally important. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the local healthcare system is a key factor. The COPD Score assesses the integration of mental health services into COPD management. Practices that offer or refer patients to mental health support services receive higher marks.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another key element. These programs, typically led by respiratory therapists, provide structured exercise, education, and support to help COPD patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. The presence of such programs within or near Rowland significantly contributes to a higher COPD Score.

The presence of specialized respiratory care providers, such as pulmonologists, is also important. While PCPs are the cornerstone of COPD care, pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex cases. The proximity of pulmonologists and the ease of referral pathways from PCPs influence the overall COPD Score.

Another important factor is the availability of resources for smoking cessation. Smoking is a primary cause of COPD, and effective cessation programs are essential for preventing disease progression. The COPD Score considers the presence of smoking cessation programs, counseling services, and access to nicotine replacement therapy or other medications.

The overall healthcare infrastructure, including the availability of hospitals and emergency services, also impacts the COPD Score. Access to prompt medical attention in case of exacerbations or emergencies is critical for COPD patients. The proximity and quality of local hospitals play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and well-being.

The COPD Score is not just a numerical value; it is a holistic assessment. It reflects the combined impact of all the factors mentioned above. A high score indicates a robust healthcare system that effectively supports COPD patients. A low score suggests areas for improvement, such as increasing PCP availability, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health support.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Rowland, NC (28383) is contingent on a detailed investigation of the factors described above. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the healthcare landscape and identifying areas of strength and weakness. The final COPD Score will be determined by a comprehensive data collection and analysis process.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Rowland, NC, and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the COPD Score, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and visualizing healthcare resources.