28444, Harrells, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.27 percent of the residents in 28444 has some form of health insurance. 41.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.76 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 28444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 479 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 466 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 153 health care providers accessible to residents in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the COPD landscape within ZIP code 28444, focusing on primary care availability in Harrells, North Carolina. This evaluation considers factors relevant to COPD patient care, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to manage this chronic respiratory condition within the specified geographic area.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental to understanding access to care. ZIP code 28444, encompassing Harrells, is a primarily rural area. This demographic profile often presents challenges related to healthcare access, including a potentially lower density of primary care physicians (PCPs) compared to more urban environments. Reliable data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing up-to-date information from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, based on typical rural healthcare trends, it is likely that the ratio in Harrells is less favorable than the national average, meaning fewer physicians are available to serve a potentially dispersed patient population. This scarcity of PCPs can directly impact COPD patients, making it harder to secure timely appointments for routine check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary function testing.

The characteristics of primary care practices in Harrells significantly influence the quality of COPD care. Larger practices with multiple physicians and support staff (nurses, respiratory therapists, etc.) can often offer a more comprehensive approach to care. They may have the resources to provide on-site pulmonary function testing, offer patient education programs, and coordinate care with specialists. Conversely, smaller, solo practices might face limitations in resources and staffing. It is essential to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management. This includes practices that actively screen for COPD, offer smoking cessation programs, and have established protocols for managing exacerbations. Reviewing practice websites, patient testimonials, and online directories can provide insights into the services offered and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Harrells. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to manage chronic conditions like COPD. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of vital signs. This can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, who may experience difficulty traveling to appointments, especially during exacerbations. The availability of telehealth services can also improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce hospital readmissions. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in Harrells involves determining whether they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and secure communication platforms for patient-physician interaction.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the management of chronic illnesses like COPD, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health support, including counseling and psychiatric services, is essential for addressing these issues. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the Harrells area or accessible through referrals is a key indicator of comprehensive COPD care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD management programs demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This may involve offering on-site mental health services, partnering with mental health providers, or providing referrals to specialized care.

Identifying standout practices in Harrells requires evaluating multiple factors. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to COPD management will likely exhibit several key characteristics. They may have a dedicated team of healthcare professionals with expertise in COPD care, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. They may offer comprehensive services, including pulmonary function testing, smoking cessation programs, and patient education. They may also embrace telemedicine to improve access to care and offer mental health support. Furthermore, these practices should have a positive reputation among patients, as evidenced by online reviews and testimonials. Identifying these standout practices requires thorough research, including reviewing practice websites, contacting practices directly, and consulting with local healthcare professionals.

The assessment of COPD care in Harrells should also consider the availability of specialized pulmonology services. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for COPD patients, pulmonologists provide specialized expertise in diagnosing and managing complex respiratory conditions. The proximity of pulmonologists to Harrells is crucial. Patients may need to travel to larger cities like Wilmington or Fayetteville to access these specialists. The distance to pulmonology services can impact the timeliness of specialist consultations, which is essential for managing severe COPD cases.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to consider the availability of resources for patient education and support. COPD patients benefit from education about their condition, including information on medication management, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Practices that offer patient education programs, support groups, and educational materials demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. These resources can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, reduce exacerbations, and improve overall quality of life.

Another important consideration is the availability of emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital care. COPD patients are at risk of exacerbations that may require emergency medical attention. The proximity of Harrells to hospitals and the efficiency of EMS response times are critical factors in ensuring timely access to care during exacerbations. The availability of specialized respiratory care units within local hospitals can also impact patient outcomes.

The socioeconomic factors of the Harrells population can also influence COPD care. Factors such as income, education, and access to health insurance can affect a patient's ability to access healthcare services and adhere to treatment plans. Areas with higher rates of poverty and lower levels of education may experience greater challenges in managing COPD. Understanding the socioeconomic profile of the Harrells population is essential for tailoring healthcare interventions to meet the specific needs of the community.

In conclusion, evaluating COPD care in ZIP code 28444 requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized care and support services. The rural nature of Harrells presents unique challenges in healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions like telemedicine. Identifying and supporting practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD management is crucial.

To gain a more visual and comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harrells and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.