28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.16 percent of the residents in 28428 has some form of health insurance. 30.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.05 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 28428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 968 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28428. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,460 health care providers accessible to residents in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses the quality of COPD care and primary care access for residents of Carolina Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28428), focusing on factors relevant to a hypothetical "COPD Score" and the availability of crucial healthcare services. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of the community's specific needs.

Carolina Beach, a coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The population, influenced by seasonal tourism and a growing retiree demographic, may experience fluctuations in healthcare demand. Access to specialized care, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD, is a critical factor in determining the overall health and well-being of the residents.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios offers a baseline understanding of access. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians and pulmonologists practicing within the 28428 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more proactive management of COPD. This is particularly important, as early intervention is key to slowing the progression of the disease.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare landscape. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in COPD care. Key indicators of a high-quality practice include board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, access to pulmonary function testing, and participation in clinical trials or research related to COPD. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and offer comprehensive support services, such as smoking cessation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation, would be considered highly valuable. These practices often have a higher patient satisfaction rate and better patient outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing convenience. For COPD patients, telemedicine can be used for medication management, symptom monitoring, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation sessions. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management, would significantly enhance the "COPD Score" for the 28428 ZIP code.

The integration of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive COPD care. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of the disease and its impact on quality of life. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being, ultimately leading to better COPD management.

Specific examples of practices in the area would need to be researched to provide a more concrete assessment. However, a hypothetical high-scoring practice might be characterized by a team of board-certified pulmonologists, a dedicated respiratory therapy department, and a robust telemedicine platform. They would actively participate in clinical trials, offer comprehensive patient education programs, and have established partnerships with mental health providers. This practice would likely have a strong reputation within the community and consistently achieve positive patient outcomes.

Conversely, a practice scoring lower on the "COPD Score" might lack specialized pulmonologists, rely heavily on referrals to outside specialists, and have limited access to telemedicine or mental health services. Patient education might be minimal, and there might be a lack of support services to help patients manage their condition effectively. This practice would likely face challenges in attracting and retaining patients and may experience lower patient satisfaction rates.

Primary care availability is another critical factor. The presence of a strong primary care network is essential for early detection and management of COPD. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms, and they play a vital role in referring patients to specialists, coordinating care, and providing ongoing support. The availability of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants within the 28428 ZIP code and surrounding areas directly impacts the community's ability to effectively manage COPD.

Assessing the availability of primary care involves examining the number of primary care providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of appointments. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer extended hours, and provide same-day appointments would be considered more accessible. Furthermore, practices that prioritize preventative care, such as annual checkups and screenings, are more likely to identify COPD early and initiate timely interventions.

The "COPD Score" analysis would consider all these factors, assigning weights to each based on its relative importance. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources would all contribute to the final score. The score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of COPD care and primary care access within the 28428 ZIP code, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The analysis would also consider the specific needs of the Carolina Beach community. Factors such as the prevalence of smoking, the age distribution of the population, and the availability of social support services would all be taken into account. This community-specific approach ensures that the "COPD Score" accurately reflects the healthcare landscape and provides valuable insights for residents and healthcare providers alike.

Ultimately, a high "COPD Score" would indicate a community that is well-equipped to manage COPD effectively. This would translate to better patient outcomes, improved quality of life, and a healthier population. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas that need improvement, such as increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Carolina Beach and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify potential areas for improvement.