28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.75 percent of the residents in 28457 has some form of health insurance. 39.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.70 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 28457 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,305 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28457. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,254 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,980 health care providers accessible to residents in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina.

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the ZIP code 28457, encompassing Rocky Point, North Carolina, evaluating the landscape for COPD patients. We will assess the existing resources, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services, culminating in a ‘COPD Score’ assessment.

The foundation of COPD care hinges on accessible primary care. In Rocky Point (28457), the proximity of primary care physicians is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and more individualized care. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28457 requires specific data gathering, potentially from the North Carolina Medical Board or similar resources. A low ratio, for example, suggests a greater burden on existing primary care providers, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced appointment availability. Conversely, a higher ratio would indicate better access.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care providers matters. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread out, serving the broader community? Geographic disparities can create barriers to care for residents in more remote areas of Rocky Point. The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics can supplement primary care, offering immediate attention for acute COPD exacerbations, which can be life-threatening. However, these clinics should not be a substitute for ongoing primary care management.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patient symptoms. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in 28457 is essential. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient vitals? Practices actively embracing telemedicine technologies likely receive a higher ‘COPD Score’.

The integration of mental health services is another critical component of comprehensive COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore vital. Are primary care practices in 28457 equipped to screen for mental health issues? Do they have integrated mental health services or established referral pathways to mental health providers? Practices that prioritize mental health integration would receive a higher score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves looking beyond simple metrics. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering COPD self-management programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, and support groups, are highly valued. Practices that actively participate in research or quality improvement initiatives related to COPD management also warrant recognition. These practices typically exhibit a proactive approach to patient care, leading to better outcomes. They would score higher in the overall assessment.

The ‘COPD Score’ assessment is not a simple calculation but a holistic evaluation. It considers multiple factors, including: Physician-to-patient ratio, geographic distribution of primary care, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the presence of patient education and support programs. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with better access to care and a greater likelihood of positive health outcomes.

To arrive at a specific ‘COPD Score’ for doctors in 28457, a data-driven investigation is required. This would involve:

1. **Data Collection:** Gathering information on the number of primary care physicians, their locations, and their patient panels.
2. **Telemedicine Assessment:** Surveying practices to determine their telemedicine capabilities and adoption rates.
3. **Mental Health Integration:** Assessing the availability of mental health services and referral pathways within primary care practices.
4. **Program Evaluation:** Identifying and evaluating the presence of patient education programs, pulmonary rehabilitation services, and support groups.
5. **Weighting:** Assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance.
6. **Scoring:** Calculating the overall score based on the weighted factors.

The resulting ‘COPD Score’ would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Rocky Point for COPD patients. This score could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The availability of quality care, especially for chronic conditions like COPD, is vital. Understanding the resources within a specific geographic area, such as Rocky Point (28457), allows for better informed decisions.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Rocky Point and visualize the data in a dynamic and interactive way, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visualization of the data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care. This allows for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and facilitates informed decision-making.