28396, Wagram, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28396, Wagram, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.78 percent of the residents in 28396 has some form of health insurance. 50.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.68 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 28396 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 323 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28396. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,476 health care providers accessible to residents in 28396, Wagram, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28396 and Primary Care in Wagram

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28396 (which encompasses Wagram, North Carolina) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when considering the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors relevant to COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced "COPD Score" assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and effectiveness of care for individuals living with this chronic respiratory illness.

The foundation of COPD care rests on strong primary care. Wagram, as a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses, exacerbations, and poorer disease management. Data on this ratio must be obtained from reliable sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the County Health Department. This data would then be compared to state and national averages to establish a baseline.

Beyond sheer numbers, the specialization of available physicians is critical. While primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of COPD management, the presence of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists within or near the ZIP code significantly enhances the quality of care. Pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases, while respiratory therapists offer crucial support in pulmonary rehabilitation, medication management, and patient education. The proximity of these specialists is a key factor in the COPD Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component. Rural communities often benefit greatly from telehealth services, which can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists. The availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources can significantly enhance COPD management. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational materials, would receive a higher score.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health is also critical. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these services, including counseling and support groups, would positively influence the COPD Score.

Assessing specific practices requires detailed investigation. Identifying the primary care practices within 28396 and the surrounding areas is the first step. Information about each practice, including the number of physicians, their specializations, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health services, must be gathered. This data can be obtained through practice websites, insurance directories, and patient reviews. The analysis would then evaluate each practice based on the criteria outlined above, assigning a score for each category (physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration).

Standout practices would be those that excel in multiple areas. For example, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily accessible pulmonology referrals, robust telemedicine offerings, and integrated mental health services would receive a significantly higher score. These practices would be identified as leaders in COPD care within the community.

The COPD Score for the overall area would be a composite score, reflecting the average performance of the available practices. This score would provide a snapshot of the accessibility and quality of COPD care within 28396. The score would also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community resources. Local hospitals, pharmacies, and support groups play a crucial role in COPD management. The availability of these resources, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation programs, and support groups, would contribute to the overall score.

Finally, the analysis should address potential disparities in access to care. Factors such as socioeconomic status, transportation limitations, and insurance coverage can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and effective COPD care. The analysis should identify any potential disparities and recommend strategies to address them.

The COPD Score is not a static metric. It is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services. Regular updates ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for both patients and healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the COPD Score analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment within ZIP code 28396, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of COPD care. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, the analysis offers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance COPD care for individuals living in Wagram and the surrounding areas.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28396 and beyond, consider utilizing the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to map healthcare resources, analyze demographic data, and identify areas with the greatest need for improved COPD care.