28465, Oak Island, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.34 percent of the residents in 28465 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.54 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 28465 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28465. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,091 health care providers accessible to residents in 28465, Oak Island, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients within the 28465 ZIP code, specifically within the context of primary care services in Oak Island, North Carolina. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing a chronic respiratory condition.

Oak Island, a coastal community, presents a unique environment for healthcare delivery. The population, including a significant number of retirees, may have a higher prevalence of COPD due to age and potential exposure to environmental factors. Assessing the healthcare infrastructure within this specific ZIP code requires a granular approach, going beyond simple metrics to understand the real-world experience of COPD patients.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. A high ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Data on physician density, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, within 28465 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide initial insights. However, this data needs to be contextualized. The number of active, practicing physicians is more relevant than simply the number licensed. Furthermore, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is critical. A concentration in one area may leave other areas underserved.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices demonstrate excellence in COPD management. This involves looking beyond the basic metrics. We need to identify practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and implement evidence-based treatment protocols. Reviews from patients, both online and through community surveys, can provide valuable insights. Practices that actively participate in COPD-related research or quality improvement initiatives are also strong candidates. Furthermore, examining the practice’s integration with other healthcare providers, such as respiratory therapists and home health agencies, is important for comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with physicians, monitor their symptoms, and receive education. In the context of COPD, telemedicine can be used for medication management, remote monitoring of oxygen saturation levels, and providing support during exacerbations. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within 28465 requires identifying practices that offer these services. This includes evaluating the technology used, the training provided to both physicians and patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the management of COPD, but they are critical. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Identifying the availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community is essential. This includes assessing whether primary care practices have integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing the psychological aspects of COPD is also important.

The analysis also needs to consider the specific challenges faced by patients in Oak Island. The coastal location may mean that patients are more vulnerable to environmental factors such as humidity and air quality issues. The availability of resources to help patients manage these environmental challenges, such as air purifiers and educational programs on air quality, should be considered. The socioeconomic status of the population is another factor. Patients with lower incomes may face barriers to accessing care, such as the cost of medications and transportation. The analysis needs to consider these factors and assess the availability of resources to address these disparities.

The analysis should also consider the role of hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the area. While primary care is the cornerstone of COPD management, access to specialized care, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, is essential. The analysis should assess the proximity of these specialists to the 28465 ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access their services. The availability of hospital-based respiratory care units and emergency services is also important, particularly for managing acute exacerbations.

Finally, the analysis should assess the coordination of care among different healthcare providers. COPD management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving PCPs, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. The analysis should assess the degree to which these providers communicate and coordinate care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and integrated care. This includes assessing the use of electronic health records, the availability of care coordination programs, and the frequency of communication between providers.

In conclusion, a comprehensive COPD score analysis for doctors in the 28465 ZIP code and primary care availability in Oak Island requires a multifaceted approach. It goes beyond simple metrics to assess physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. It also considers the unique challenges faced by patients in this coastal community. By considering all these factors, we can gain a more complete understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the healthcare landscape of Oak Island and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to COPD patients.