28386, Shannon, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28386, Shannon, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.86 percent of the residents in 28386 has some form of health insurance. 45.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.47 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 28386 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,342 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28386. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 662 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,412 health care providers accessible to residents in 28386, Shannon, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a COPD Score ranking for physicians in ZIP Code 28386 and primary care availability in Shannon, North Carolina. This evaluation considers several factors crucial to COPD patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific area, highlighting strengths and areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible and high-quality primary care. In Shannon, the availability of primary care physicians is a key determinant of the overall COPD Score. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides an initial benchmark. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per capita, generally indicates greater access to care. However, this ratio alone doesn't paint the complete picture. Geographic distribution within Shannon is crucial; even with a favorable ratio, patients in remote areas may face challenges accessing care.

The quality of primary care practices in ZIP Code 28386 significantly impacts the COPD Score. This includes evaluating the practices' adherence to established COPD guidelines, such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Practices should demonstrate a commitment to regular spirometry testing, a vital diagnostic tool for COPD. The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are crucial for improving lung function and quality of life, also contributes to the score. Furthermore, the presence of dedicated COPD educators and support staff within these practices enhances patient education and self-management skills, thereby improving the overall COPD Score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management support, receive a higher COPD Score. The sophistication of the telemedicine platform, including its user-friendliness and integration with electronic health records, also influences the score. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in COPD management.

Mental health is often overlooked in COPD care, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists, are awarded a higher COPD Score. The availability of support groups, educational materials on managing mental health issues, and access to psychiatric medications are essential elements of comprehensive COPD care.

Analyzing the specific practices within ZIP Code 28386 is crucial. Identifying standout practices that excel in COPD management helps in understanding the best practices in the area. These practices often demonstrate a patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized care plans and proactive disease management. They may employ a multidisciplinary team, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and mental health professionals. Their commitment to patient education, regular follow-up appointments, and proactive communication contributes to their high COPD Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Shannon and ZIP Code 28386, when considered alongside the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, helps determine the overall COPD Score. A high score reflects a healthcare environment conducive to effective COPD management, while a lower score indicates areas needing improvement. This score serves as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The COPD Score is not a static measure; it is dynamic and should be reviewed periodically. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and best practices emerging. Regular updates to the score, incorporating the latest data and insights, are essential for maintaining its accuracy and relevance. This also allows for the recognition of improvements and the identification of new challenges.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 28386 likely demonstrate varying levels of adherence to COPD guidelines. Some may excel in spirometry testing and pulmonary rehabilitation, while others may lag. The adoption of telemedicine varies, with some practices fully embracing virtual care and others still in the early stages. Mental health resources may also be unevenly distributed, with some practices offering comprehensive services and others lacking adequate support.

The overall COPD Score for ZIP Code 28386 and primary care availability in Shannon is influenced by these factors. A comprehensive analysis would consider the weighted average of each component, reflecting the relative importance of each factor. The score provides a snapshot of the healthcare environment and highlights areas where improvements are needed.

A critical aspect of COPD care is patient education. Practices that prioritize educating patients about their condition, including proper medication use, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications, receive a higher score. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages, tailored to the cultural needs of the patient population, also contributes to the score. Patient empowerment is a core value, and practices that actively involve patients in their care decisions are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

The COPD Score also considers the availability of resources beyond the primary care setting. This includes access to specialized pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. The presence of community-based support programs, such as smoking cessation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation classes, enhances the overall score. Collaboration between primary care practices and these external resources is crucial for providing comprehensive COPD care.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28386 and primary care availability in Shannon is a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This score provides a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement. It is essential to regularly update the score to reflect changes in the healthcare environment and to ensure its accuracy and relevance.

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