28425, Burgaw, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.17 percent of the residents in 28425 has some form of health insurance. 39.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 28425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,349 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,873 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,694 health care providers accessible to residents in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Burgaw, NC (ZIP Code 28425)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Burgaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28425), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources. COPD is a significant health concern, and access to quality care is crucial for managing the disease and improving patient outcomes. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a COPD Score ranking.

Burgaw, a relatively small town, faces challenges common to rural areas, including potential limitations in healthcare access. The COPD Score aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for COPD patients, allowing for informed decision-making and identifying areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**

A fundamental aspect of COPD care is access to a PCP. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of accessibility. Determining the precise ratio requires detailed data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28425 ZIP code and the estimated population. Publicly available data sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the North Carolina Medical Board, are essential for this calculation. The analysis will endeavor to estimate this ratio, recognizing that the accuracy depends on the availability and currency of data.

Beyond raw numbers, the type of primary care available matters. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians? Are these physicians accepting new patients? The presence of urgent care clinics and their ability to manage COPD exacerbations also influences the overall care landscape. The analysis will evaluate the distribution of PCP specializations and their patient acceptance policies.

**Standout Practices: Strengths and Weaknesses**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their services and infrastructure. A practice that excels in COPD care often demonstrates several key characteristics. These include a proactive approach to patient education, comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, and a well-coordinated care team. Practices with certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) or specialized COPD nurses are particularly valuable.

The analysis will investigate the presence of these features within the practices serving Burgaw. It will assess the availability of spirometry and other diagnostic tools crucial for COPD management. Furthermore, it will consider the practice's commitment to patient education, including providing resources on smoking cessation, medication adherence, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The existence of dedicated COPD clinics or specialized programs would significantly enhance a practice's score.

Conversely, the analysis will identify potential weaknesses. Are there long wait times for appointments? Is there a lack of after-hours care options? Are patients referred out of the area for specialized pulmonary care? These factors can negatively impact the COPD Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access**

Telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access, especially in rural areas. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in Burgaw.

The evaluation will focus on the types of telemedicine services offered. Are video consultations available? Are remote monitoring devices used to track patient vital signs and symptoms? Are patients able to access their medical records and communicate with their physicians online? Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, particularly for those with mobility limitations. The analysis will also consider the availability of technical support for patients using telemedicine platforms.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**

COPD is a chronic disease that can significantly impact mental health. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care.

The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the Burgaw area. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) accepting new patients? Do PCPs offer integrated behavioral health services? The presence of support groups or pulmonary rehabilitation programs that incorporate mental health support would be a positive factor. The analysis will also consider the availability of mental health resources specifically tailored to individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.

**COPD Score and Ranking**

Based on the evaluation of the factors above, a COPD Score will be assigned. This score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in Burgaw, NC (28425). The score will be based on a weighted system, with physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources each contributing to the final ranking.

The COPD Score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison with other areas. The analysis will also provide specific recommendations for improving COPD care in Burgaw. These recommendations may include increasing the number of PCPs, encouraging telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services.

**CartoChrome Maps: Visualizing the Data**

For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, visualizing the data is crucial. CartoChrome maps can be used to create interactive maps that display the location of PCPs, healthcare facilities, and other relevant resources. These maps can be customized to show physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health services.

CartoChrome maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care, allowing for targeted interventions to address healthcare disparities. By visualizing the data, stakeholders can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in COPD care and develop effective strategies to improve patient outcomes.

**Conclusion**

This COPD Score analysis provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare resources available to COPD patients in Burgaw, NC (28425). The analysis highlights the importance of access to primary care, the role of telemedicine, and the need for mental health support. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, stakeholders can work together to improve the quality of care for individuals living with COPD.

**Call to Action:**

For a dynamic, visual understanding of the healthcare resources in Burgaw, NC (28425), explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize physician locations, access points, and more. Contact us to see how CartoChrome can help you navigate the complexities of healthcare data.