28424, Brunswick, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28424, Brunswick, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28424 has some form of health insurance. 58.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.73 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 28424 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28424. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,268 health care providers accessible to residents in 28424, Brunswick, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Brunswick County, NC (ZIP Code 28424)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of COPD care within ZIP code 28424 (Brunswick County, NC), focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The aim is to provide a nuanced "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician access, technological integration, and mental health support.

The foundation of good COPD care rests on the availability of accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. In Brunswick County, the ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents is essential. A lower ratio often indicates greater difficulty in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. This directly impacts the ability of patients to receive preventative care, early diagnosis, and consistent monitoring – all vital components of successful COPD management. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is significant. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? This spatial analysis is crucial for understanding accessibility challenges.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and structure of primary care practices significantly influence the COPD Score. Practices that prioritize chronic disease management often demonstrate superior patient outcomes. This includes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, regular patient education, and proactive outreach. Practices with dedicated respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in pulmonary care represent a significant advantage. These specialists provide focused expertise, facilitating patient education on inhaler techniques, breathing exercises, and disease management strategies. Moreover, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability between practices allows for better coordination of care, minimizing fragmented treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for bridging geographical barriers and improving access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs contribute positively to the COPD Score. These technologies allow for more frequent patient contact, early detection of exacerbations, and personalized support, all of which are crucial for managing COPD effectively. The degree to which practices utilize these technologies and the ease of patient access to them are critical considerations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, yet they play a vital role in patient well-being. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is essential. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals enhance the COPD Score. The integration of mental health support into the overall care plan helps address the holistic needs of patients, improving their quality of life and adherence to treatment regimens.

Specific practices within ZIP code 28424 warrant individual evaluation. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD care is a key objective. This involves assessing their adherence to national guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of specialized resources. Practices that actively engage in patient education programs, offer comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement deserve recognition. Conversely, practices with limited resources or a lack of focus on chronic disease management may negatively impact the overall COPD Score.

The assessment of primary care availability in Brunswick County also necessitates an evaluation of insurance coverage. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is crucial for ensuring access to care for all residents. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans contribute to a higher COPD Score by reducing financial barriers to care. Additionally, understanding the availability of financial assistance programs for medications and other healthcare costs is important, especially for patients with limited incomes.

Finally, the overall COPD Score is not a static metric. It is a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape, influenced by factors such as population demographics, healthcare policy changes, and technological advancements. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This includes ongoing assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health services.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP code 28424 and primary care availability in Brunswick County is complex. It is influenced by physician access, technological integration, mental health resources, and insurance coverage. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data analysis, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health services, and the quality of care provided by individual practices. This analysis underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to improving COPD care in Brunswick County.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Brunswick County, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed geographic insights, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution within ZIP code 28424.