28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.37 percent of the residents in 28456 has some form of health insurance. 47.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.46 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 28456 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 612 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28456. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 698 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 940 health care providers accessible to residents in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina.

The evaluation of COPD care within the 28456 ZIP code, encompassing Riegelwood, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We will analyze the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and evaluate the supporting infrastructure, including telemedicine and mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive COPD Score, reflecting the overall healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

Riegelwood, a small community in Columbus County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower density of physicians compared to more urban settings. This lower density directly impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical factor in assessing the accessibility of primary care, the cornerstone of COPD management. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Riegelwood requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, it's reasonable to anticipate a ratio that is less favorable compared to more populated areas. This scarcity necessitates a focus on optimizing existing resources and exploring innovative solutions to bridge the gap in care.

Identifying standout practices within the 28456 ZIP code is crucial. These practices, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality COPD care, serve as models for others. This assessment requires examining factors like the availability of spirometry testing, a key diagnostic tool for COPD; the utilization of evidence-based treatment guidelines; and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively participate in chronic disease management programs, offer patient education, and demonstrate strong communication with specialists are likely to score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving COPD care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, a significant barrier for many patients, especially those with breathing difficulties. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient access to care, will be viewed favorably in this analysis. The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, hinges on the availability of reliable internet access, a potential challenge in some rural areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical in COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing these issues. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their COPD care protocols demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists is particularly important.

The COPD Score will reflect the availability and quality of mental health support. This includes the proximity of mental health providers, the availability of mental health services covered by insurance, and the degree to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening into their routine care.

The overall COPD Score will be a composite of several factors. It will weigh the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD management, including patient education, evidence-based treatment, and strong communication with specialists, will receive higher scores. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of COPD care within the 28456 ZIP code.

The final COPD Score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Riegelwood, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This information can be used to inform decisions about healthcare resource allocation, promote best practices, and ultimately improve the lives of COPD patients.

The assessment of COPD care within the 28456 ZIP code must also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes the availability of specialized pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who play a vital role in COPD management. The proximity of hospitals with pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another important factor. Access to these resources is crucial for providing comprehensive care.

The quality of care provided by local hospitals is also a key component of the COPD Score. This includes factors like the availability of emergency care for COPD exacerbations, the expertise of the medical staff in treating COPD, and the hospital's overall patient satisfaction scores. Hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality COPD care will receive higher scores.

Patient education is a cornerstone of effective COPD management. Practices that provide patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their condition effectively will be viewed favorably. This includes providing information about medication management, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Patient education programs can empower patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

The COPD Score will also consider the availability of support groups and other community resources. These resources can provide patients with emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Support groups can be particularly helpful for patients who are struggling with the challenges of living with COPD.

The analysis will also take into account the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. These factors, such as income, education, and access to transportation, can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and afford healthcare. The COPD Score will reflect the extent to which these factors are addressed by local healthcare providers.

In conclusion, the COPD Score analysis for the 28456 ZIP code provides a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Riegelwood. It considers a wide range of factors, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices and hospitals. This analysis will identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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