28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 28468 has some form of health insurance. 55.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 28468 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 418 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28468. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility for residents of Sunset Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28468), considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing COPD in this specific area.

Sunset Beach, a coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare. The aging population, a common characteristic of many coastal areas, often leads to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions like COPD. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care, which often serves as the first point of contact for COPD management, are critical.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational step. Analyzing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within or serving ZIP Code 28468, and comparing this number to the total population, provides a basic understanding of access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signal potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, longer wait times, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will inform this calculation.

Beyond raw numbers, the efficiency and capacity of individual practices significantly impact the overall quality of care. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key metrics. This includes analyzing patient satisfaction scores (through surveys and online reviews), assessing the practice’s adherence to COPD treatment guidelines (based on publicly available quality data or self-reported metrics), and evaluating the availability of specialized services such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, proactive disease management, and coordinated care are likely to be highly regarded.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of COPD care in Sunset Beach. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the extent to which local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals is essential. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes by facilitating more frequent check-ins, early intervention, and better management of exacerbations.

The integration of mental health resources is also paramount. COPD often co-exists with conditions like anxiety and depression, which can worsen the patient's overall health and quality of life. Evaluating the availability of on-site mental health professionals, or the existence of referral pathways to mental health services, is crucial. Practices that recognize the link between physical and mental health and provide comprehensive support are likely to offer superior care.

The analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to respiratory therapists, smoking cessation programs, and support groups. These resources play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Evaluating the proximity of these services to primary care practices and the ease with which patients can access them will provide further insight into the healthcare landscape.

Specific practices in ZIP Code 28468 will be individually assessed. Due to privacy concerns, specific practice names will not be mentioned in this general analysis. However, the evaluation will consider the factors mentioned above, including physician-to-patient ratios, patient satisfaction, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health and ancillary resources. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care will be identified as providing the best possible outcomes for COPD patients.

The assessment will consider the broader context of healthcare access in Sunset Beach. This includes evaluating the availability of transportation options for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations. It will also consider the affordability of care, including insurance coverage and the availability of financial assistance programs.

The overall COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28468 will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting assigned to each factor will reflect its relative importance in determining the quality and accessibility of COPD care. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents to easily understand the overall healthcare landscape in their community.

Primary care availability in Sunset Beach will be assessed alongside the COPD score. The analysis will consider the number of PCPs, their capacity to accept new patients, and their proximity to residential areas. The availability of after-hours care and urgent care facilities will also be evaluated. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the primary care infrastructure, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide valuable information to residents of Sunset Beach, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It also aims to highlight areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the community. The analysis will be a dynamic process, regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Sunset Beach, and to visualize the location of healthcare providers, hospitals, and other resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive platform for exploring geographical data and gaining a deeper understanding of your local community.