28398, Warsaw, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28398, Warsaw, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.39 percent of the residents in 28398 has some form of health insurance. 43.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.95 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 28398 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,725 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28398. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,075 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,088 health care providers accessible to residents in 28398, Warsaw, North Carolina.

The analysis below aims to assess the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients within the context of primary care availability in Warsaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28398). This assessment will be approached through the lens of a "COPD Score," considering factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician accessibility, resource availability, and innovative healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of any COPD Score must begin with physician accessibility. Warsaw, a relatively small town, presents inherent challenges in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While specific data fluctuates, it's reasonable to assume that the ratio in Warsaw might be less favorable than in larger urban centers. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially aging population, a demographic often at higher risk for COPD. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is especially important, as they often serve as the first point of contact for COPD diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists.

The COPD Score must also consider the presence of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. These specialists are essential for advanced COPD management, including accurate diagnosis through pulmonary function testing, medication adjustments, and respiratory rehabilitation. The closer these specialists are, the better the care. If patients must travel long distances for specialized care, it directly impacts their quality of life and the effectiveness of their treatment plans. This travel time and associated costs contribute negatively to the overall COPD Score.

Beyond the simple presence of doctors, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices themselves. Some practices may stand out due to their commitment to COPD management. These "standout practices" often demonstrate a proactive approach, such as implementing patient education programs, offering regular spirometry testing, and providing comprehensive care plans. They might also participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing COPD outcomes. Identifying these practices and their specific strategies is crucial for understanding the strengths of the local healthcare system.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patient symptoms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient self-management skills. The extent of telemedicine integration in Warsaw's primary care practices directly influences the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are also critical. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A comprehensive COPD Score must consider the availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their COPD care plans demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being, contributing positively to the overall score.

Specific examples of practices within ZIP Code 28398 are difficult to provide without direct access to practice-level data. However, we can infer potential scenarios. A practice with a dedicated COPD nurse educator, offering regular pulmonary rehabilitation classes, and actively utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments would likely receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources, long wait times for appointments, and no apparent focus on COPD-specific care would receive a lower score. The presence of a local hospital with a respiratory therapy department would also be a positive factor.

The availability of local pharmacies specializing in respiratory medications also impacts the COPD Score. Convenient access to necessary medications, including inhalers and nebulizers, is essential for effective COPD management. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling, refill reminders, and assistance with insurance coverage can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Finally, the COPD Score should consider the overall community resources available to COPD patients. This includes support groups, smoking cessation programs, and access to home healthcare services. A community that actively supports COPD patients through these resources demonstrates a commitment to improving their quality of life and managing their disease effectively.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28398 requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates evaluating physician accessibility, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall community support for COPD patients. A higher score reflects a healthcare system better equipped to diagnose, manage, and support individuals living with COPD. The availability of this information is vital to improve health outcomes.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Warsaw, North Carolina, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the data discussed above, helping you to visualize physician locations, specialist availability, and other critical factors impacting COPD care.