28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.95 percent of the residents in 28429 has some form of health insurance. 37.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.83 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 28429 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,513 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 13 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28429. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,649 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,693 health care providers accessible to residents in 28429, Castle Hayne, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care in Castle Hayne (ZIP Code 28429)

Analyzing the quality and accessibility of primary care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Castle Hayne, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28429) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, a "COPD Score," will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, focusing on their capacity to manage COPD patients effectively. We will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive COPD care.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the availability of primary care physicians within the designated ZIP code. Accurate physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can strain resources and potentially diminish the quality of care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more individualized attention. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Castle Hayne requires data aggregation from sources such as the North Carolina Medical Board, insurance provider networks, and publicly available health datasets. This data must then be cross-referenced with the estimated population of Castle Hayne to arrive at a meaningful ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" necessitates evaluating several factors. This includes the physicians' board certifications (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine), their experience in treating COPD patients, and their adherence to established COPD management guidelines. Further, the availability of ancillary services, such as pulmonary function testing (PFT), respiratory therapists, and smoking cessation programs, significantly impacts the ability of a practice to provide comprehensive care. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can also offer valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element of the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, especially those with mobility limitations or residing in rural areas. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the frequency of hospitalizations. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within Castle Hayne's primary care practices requires investigating the availability of virtual appointment options, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practices' workflows.

Mental health considerations are often overlooked in the management of chronic illnesses like COPD, but they are crucial. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life and their ability to manage their condition effectively. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a significant factor in the COPD Score. This includes access to on-site mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, counselors), referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening tools into routine patient care.

Specific practices within the 28429 ZIP code require detailed scrutiny. While a comprehensive list is not possible without specific data, hypothetical examples can illustrate the assessment process. A practice with board-certified physicians specializing in internal medicine, offering on-site PFTs, and actively utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited access to specialized equipment, a lack of mental health support, and no telemedicine capabilities would receive a lower score. The analysis would evaluate each practice based on these criteria, assigning a weighted score based on the importance of each factor.

The overall COPD Score for Castle Hayne is a composite of these individual practice assessments, the physician-to-patient ratio, and the availability of mental health resources. The score would reflect the overall capacity of the primary care system to effectively manage COPD patients. A high score would indicate a robust system with ample physician availability, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health support. A low score would suggest a system struggling to meet the needs of COPD patients, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

The analysis would also consider the geographical distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code. Accessibility is not just about the number of physicians; it's also about their location relative to the patient population. Areas with limited access to primary care, such as those with few practices or limited transportation options, would negatively impact the overall COPD Score. This spatial analysis would identify potential healthcare deserts and highlight areas where improvements are most needed.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors of the Castle Hayne population. Factors like income levels, insurance coverage, and access to transportation can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and afford healthcare. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer sliding-scale fees, and provide transportation assistance would be viewed more favorably in the COPD Score assessment.

The final COPD Score is not just a numerical value; it is a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape in Castle Hayne. It provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the system, allowing healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to make informed decisions. The data can be used to identify areas for improvement, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately, improve the quality of life for COPD patients in the community.

The ongoing nature of this analysis is also important. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, with practices evolving, technologies advancing, and patient needs changing. Therefore, the COPD Score should be regularly updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing assessment will ensure that the community is always informed about the state of primary care for COPD patients and that efforts are continuously made to improve the quality and accessibility of care.

To gain a visual understanding of the primary care landscape in Castle Hayne and explore the geographical distribution of physicians, practices, and resources, we encourage you to utilize the power of spatial data. Explore the possibilities of mapping this information using CartoChrome maps.