28421, Atkinson, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.34 percent of the residents in 28421 has some form of health insurance. 37.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.12 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 28421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 408 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 365 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421)**

This analysis assesses the quality and accessibility of COPD care within the context of primary care availability in Atkinson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28421). The evaluation considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing COPD.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Atkinson, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, a delay in the diagnosis and management of COPD. Accurate data on this ratio requires accessing the most current information. Public health agencies and professional organizations provide the most reliable data.

The presence of standout primary care practices significantly impacts the quality of COPD care. These practices often distinguish themselves through several key characteristics. They may employ specialized respiratory therapists, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing within the practice, and actively participate in COPD-specific educational programs for patients. They might also have a dedicated care coordinator to help navigate the complexities of COPD management, from medication adherence to coordinating referrals to specialists. The best practices are those that proactively engage patients in their care.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a vital tool for enhancing access to healthcare, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and the monitoring of vital signs, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. In Atkinson, the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices is a key indicator of accessibility. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more convenient and timely care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. The implementation of telehealth solutions, including remote monitoring devices, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is an often-overlooked but essential component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integrated approach helps address the psychological and emotional challenges associated with COPD, improving overall quality of life.

Assessing the availability of these resources requires a detailed investigation. Publicly available data, such as insurance provider directories and online reviews, can provide some insights. However, a more comprehensive evaluation necessitates direct contact with primary care practices in the area. This involves inquiring about their staffing, the equipment available, their telemedicine capabilities, and their mental health support services.

The overall COPD score for Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421) is a composite of all these factors. A high score indicates a well-resourced healthcare environment with good physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health support. Conversely, a low score suggests potential challenges in accessing and receiving optimal COPD care. The score is dynamic, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape.

The analysis should also consider the presence of specialist care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists and other specialists is crucial, particularly for patients with complex or advanced disease. The proximity to specialist centers, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of specialized services such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs are all factors that influence the overall COPD score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact COPD care. Factors such as income levels, access to transportation, and health literacy can all influence a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. Practices that are aware of these challenges and offer services tailored to the needs of their patients, such as financial assistance programs or culturally sensitive education materials, are likely to receive a higher score.

The analysis should also consider the use of evidence-based practices. Adherence to national guidelines for COPD management, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), is essential. Practices that consistently implement these guidelines, including the use of spirometry for diagnosis, appropriate medication management, and smoking cessation counseling, are more likely to provide effective care.

The data collection for this analysis is crucial. The accuracy of the information directly impacts the reliability of the COPD score. The process should involve multiple sources, including public health data, insurance provider directories, and direct contact with primary care practices. It is also important to consult with patient advocacy groups and community organizations to gain insights into the patient experience and identify any unmet needs.

The final COPD score is a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It provides a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare environment and can be used to identify areas for improvement. For patients, the score can help them make informed decisions about their care and advocate for their needs. For healthcare providers, the score can be used to benchmark their performance and identify areas where they can improve their services. For policymakers, the score can be used to allocate resources and develop strategies to improve the quality and accessibility of COPD care.

The ongoing monitoring of the COPD score is essential. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the factors that influence COPD care are subject to change. Regular updates to the analysis are needed to ensure that the score remains accurate and relevant. This includes monitoring changes in physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

In conclusion, the COPD score analysis for Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421) provides a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare environment for individuals managing COPD. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, the analysis offers valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of care. This information can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for individuals with COPD.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and gain further insights into the factors influencing COPD care in Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421), we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome.