28399, White Oak, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.67 percent of the residents in 28399 has some form of health insurance. 62.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.20 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 28399 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 357 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28399. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 238 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 28399, White Oak, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28399 & Primary Care in White Oak**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 28399 (White Oak, North Carolina) and the broader context of primary care access in White Oak. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, focusing on factors crucial for effective COPD care, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support.

The assessment will consider several key indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices specializing in respiratory care, the adoption of telemedicine for COPD management, and the availability of mental health resources for patients grappling with the challenges of this chronic illness. The analysis will not produce a numerical "score" in the traditional sense but instead offers a qualitative evaluation based on the available data and research.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 28399 requires access to real-time, granular data, which is often proprietary. However, publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the North Carolina Medical Board can offer insights. These resources might provide county-level data, which can then be used to extrapolate estimates for the specific ZIP code.

Low physician-to-patient ratios are generally indicative of better access to care. A high ratio, on the other hand, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality. This is especially critical for COPD patients, who require regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and education to manage their condition effectively.

The geographic distribution of primary care physicians within White Oak is another critical factor. Are the available physicians clustered in one area, or are they distributed throughout the community? Access to care is significantly impacted by proximity, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, which are often associated with COPD.

**Standout Practices and Respiratory Care Expertise**

Identifying practices with a particular focus on respiratory care is essential. Practices with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and specialized equipment (e.g., pulmonary function testing) are crucial for providing comprehensive COPD care. Researching local practices through online directories, patient reviews, and healthcare provider websites can help identify those with a demonstrated expertise in respiratory medicine.

Look for practices that emphasize patient education, self-management strategies, and support groups. These elements are vital for empowering COPD patients to take an active role in their care. Practices that integrate these components into their care models often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

**Telemedicine Adoption for COPD Management**

Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and virtual consultations. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by local primary care practices is a crucial factor in assessing the quality of COPD care.

Assess whether local practices offer telehealth options for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom monitoring. Look for practices that use remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters, peak flow meters) to track patient health and provide timely interventions. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent office visits, and improve patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical aspect of comprehensive COPD care.

Assess whether local primary care practices have mental health professionals on staff or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Look for practices that screen patients for depression and anxiety and offer counseling or other supportive services. Integrated care models, where mental health and physical health services are coordinated, are generally associated with better patient outcomes.

**White Oak Primary Care Context**

The broader context of primary care availability in White Oak is also important. The presence of a well-developed primary care infrastructure, including a variety of practice types (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine), is crucial. This ensures that patients have a choice of providers and can find a practice that meets their individual needs.

Consider the availability of after-hours care, weekend appointments, and urgent care facilities. These resources are vital for patients who experience sudden exacerbations of their COPD symptoms. Access to these services can help prevent hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes.

**Conclusion**

The assessment of COPD care in ZIP code 28399 and White Oak reveals a complex landscape. While a precise "COPD Score" is not feasible without granular, real-time data, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the key factors that influence the quality of care. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all critical components.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling users to identify areas with limited access to care and to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.