28405, Wilmington, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.12 percent of the residents in 28405 has some form of health insurance. 35.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.99 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 28405 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28405. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,723 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28405) & Primary Care Availability

Analyzing the landscape of primary care in Wilmington, North Carolina, specifically within the 28405 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, their proficiency in managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and the resources available to patients, including telemedicine and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to provide a “COPD Score” assessment, reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory illness.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians for a larger population, often correlates with longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Within the 28405 ZIP code, the physician-to-patient ratio will be a critical factor in determining the initial COPD Score. Publicly available data, such as information from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, will be essential in calculating this ratio. The COPD Score will be adjusted based on this fundamental metric, with higher ratios yielding higher scores, reflecting better access.

Beyond the raw numbers, the COPD Score must consider the specific expertise of primary care physicians in managing COPD. This involves assessing their familiarity with current COPD guidelines, their use of diagnostic tools like spirometry, and their ability to prescribe and manage appropriate medications, including inhalers and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Information on physician specializations and certifications, as well as their participation in continuing medical education related to respiratory illnesses, will be crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management, perhaps through dedicated COPD clinics or specialized staff, will receive higher scores, positively impacting the overall COPD Score.

The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers several advantages for COPD patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and easier access to follow-up appointments, particularly for those with mobility limitations or residing in areas with limited access to in-person care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, allowing for virtual check-ups, medication management, and educational resources, will be awarded higher scores. Conversely, practices with limited or no telemedicine capabilities will see their COPD Score negatively impacted.

Mental health resources play a significant role in managing COPD. The chronic nature of the disease can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, or integrated behavioral health programs, will receive higher scores. The availability of mental health support is a critical factor in holistic COPD management, and practices that prioritize this aspect of care will be recognized in the final score.

Identifying standout practices within the 28405 ZIP code is essential. This requires evaluating practices based on the criteria discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, COPD-specific expertise, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Practices demonstrating excellence in all these areas will be highlighted as exemplary models of COPD care. This could involve practices that have implemented comprehensive COPD management programs, utilize advanced telemedicine technologies, and actively integrate mental health services into their care plans. These practices will serve as benchmarks for other providers in the area.

The analysis also considers the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs, often offered in conjunction with primary care, provide patients with education, exercise training, and support to improve their lung function and quality of life. Practices that actively refer patients to these programs or have established partnerships with pulmonary rehabilitation centers will receive higher scores. The availability of these programs is crucial for comprehensive COPD management, and their integration into the care continuum is a significant factor in the COPD Score assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the use of patient education materials and resources. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about COPD, including self-management strategies, medication instructions, and lifestyle modifications, will be recognized. The availability of educational materials, both in print and online, contributes to patient empowerment and improved outcomes. Practices that prioritize patient education will be rewarded in the COPD Score calculation.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall patient experience. This includes assessing patient satisfaction levels, the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of the practice staff, and the overall communication between the physician and the patient. Patient feedback, gathered through surveys or online reviews, will be incorporated into the COPD Score calculation. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care and demonstrate a commitment to providing a positive patient experience will be recognized.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for primary care in the 28405 ZIP code will be a composite measure, reflecting the accessibility, expertise, and resources available to patients managing COPD. It will incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios, COPD-specific expertise, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and patient experience. This comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insights into the quality of care available in Wilmington and identify areas for improvement.

For a dynamic, visual representation of this data, including maps of physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of geospatial analysis.

**Click here to visualize the data with CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the primary care landscape in Wilmington, NC!**