28448, Kelly, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.76 percent of the residents in 28448 has some form of health insurance. 45.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.87 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 28448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28448. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 161 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 87 health care providers accessible to residents in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina.

The task is to create a fictional analysis.

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will focus on the fictional landscape of “doctors in ZIP Code 28448” and “primary care availability in Kelly,” a hypothetical community. The goal is to create a "COPD Score" framework, evaluating key factors relevant to COPD patient care.

The "COPD Score" will be a conceptual tool, not a real-world metric. It will encompass several weighted categories, each contributing to an overall assessment of COPD care quality and accessibility. These categories include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical for managing this chronic respiratory condition.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A fundamental element of the "COPD Score" is the physician-to-patient ratio. In the fictional ZIP Code 28448, we must assess the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists relative to the estimated population. A higher ratio of physicians per capita generally suggests better access to care. However, this is a simplistic view. The age distribution of the population is crucial. A community with a higher proportion of older adults, who are more susceptible to COPD, would ideally require a higher physician density.

Further, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is paramount. COPD management often necessitates specialized care, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation. A low ratio of pulmonologists in 28448 would negatively impact the "COPD Score." The analysis would also consider the geographic distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, ensuring that patients in Kelly and surrounding areas have reasonable access to care, considering transportation limitations and rural settings.

**Standout Practices:**

The presence of "standout practices" significantly influences the "COPD Score." These are healthcare providers or clinics that demonstrate excellence in COPD care. This can be evaluated through several indicators. Firstly, accreditation by reputable organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Joint Commission would be a positive factor. These accreditations often signify adherence to evidence-based practices and quality standards.

Secondly, the availability of comprehensive COPD management programs is crucial. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a structured exercise and education program proven to improve lung function and quality of life for COPD patients. Practices that offer such programs would score favorably. Thirdly, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability are important. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, medication management, and communication between providers.

Fourthly, patient satisfaction surveys and reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with consistently positive feedback regarding communication, empathy, and treatment effectiveness would be considered "standout." The analysis would seek to identify any practices within 28448 that have implemented these best practices.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine's role in COPD management is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Kelly. The "COPD Score" must consider the adoption rate of telemedicine by healthcare providers in the ZIP code. Telemedicine can improve access to care by enabling virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management.

The analysis would investigate the availability of virtual visits with PCPs and pulmonologists. It would also consider the use of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or peak flow rates. These devices allow healthcare providers to monitor patients' conditions remotely and intervene promptly if necessary. Practices that have embraced telemedicine would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD significantly impacts mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with the physical limitations it imposes, can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "COPD Score."

The analysis would assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within 28448. It would also evaluate the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Ideally, PCPs should be able to screen patients for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate specialists.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups and educational programs for COPD patients and their families is essential. These resources provide a sense of community and support, helping patients cope with the emotional challenges of the disease. Practices that prioritize mental health integration would receive a higher score.

**Overall "COPD Score" and Conclusion:**

Based on the evaluation of these factors, a hypothetical "COPD Score" would be generated for the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28448, specifically focusing on primary care availability in Kelly. The score would be a composite of weighted scores for each category, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area. It would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician-to-patient ratios, expanding telemedicine adoption, or improving mental health integration.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28448, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive view of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare access and quality in the area.