28470, Shallotte, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28470, Shallotte, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.50 percent of the residents in 28470 has some form of health insurance. 50.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.26 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 28470 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,564 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28470. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,474 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,625 health care providers accessible to residents in 28470, Shallotte, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on the COPD Score for primary care physicians within the 28470 ZIP code, encompassing the town of Shallotte, North Carolina, with an emphasis on resource availability and accessibility for patients managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This assessment combines publicly available data, anecdotal evidence, and general healthcare industry trends to paint a picture of the local landscape. It is crucial to acknowledge that a definitive "COPD Score" is not a standardized metric, and this analysis constructs a composite understanding based on relevant factors.

The foundation of a positive COPD management experience rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Shallotte, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, the area, like many rural locales, often faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This can lead to higher patient loads for individual doctors, potentially impacting the time available for comprehensive COPD care, including detailed patient education, regular monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. Access to a primary care physician is the cornerstone of effective COPD management.

Standout practices within the 28470 ZIP code are those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This involves more than just prescribing medication. It encompasses a holistic approach, including patient education on lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation), proactive management of exacerbations, and coordination with pulmonologists and other specialists. Practices that proactively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, monitor lung function, and facilitate communication are likely to perform better in managing COPD patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another key aspect of the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically isolated areas. Virtual consultations can reduce the need for frequent office visits, allowing for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and access to educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and are actively utilizing them for COPD management are likely to have a higher score. This is especially vital in a region where transportation can be a barrier to care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer access to counseling services, support groups, or referrals to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. Integration of mental health screenings into routine COPD management is a strong indicator of a practice’s commitment to patient well-being.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another crucial factor. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help COPD patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their overall quality of life. Practices that have strong relationships with pulmonary rehabilitation centers or offer these services directly within their practice contribute to a higher COPD score. This demonstrates a commitment to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized COPD clinics or dedicated COPD programs within the 28470 ZIP code can significantly improve the COPD Score. These clinics often have a team of specialists, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses, who are specifically trained to manage COPD. Dedicated programs can provide specialized education, support, and treatment options that are not always available in general primary care settings.

The use of evidence-based guidelines is essential. Practices that adhere to established guidelines for COPD management, such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), are more likely to provide high-quality care. This includes the appropriate use of medications, regular lung function testing, and smoking cessation counseling. Practices that regularly audit their performance against these guidelines demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

The cost of care is a significant consideration for COPD patients. Practices that are transparent about their pricing, offer financial assistance programs, or work with patients to find affordable medication options contribute to a higher COPD score. Access to affordable healthcare is a critical factor in ensuring that patients can effectively manage their COPD.

Community outreach and education are also important factors. Practices that actively participate in community events, provide educational materials, and offer COPD screening programs help to raise awareness about the disease and promote early diagnosis. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and a better overall COPD Score for the area.

In the context of Shallotte (28470), the COPD Score is influenced by the interplay of these factors. While the precise ranking of individual physicians is difficult to ascertain without detailed patient-level data, an assessment can be made based on the presence or absence of these key components. The practices that prioritize patient education, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health services, and have strong relationships with pulmonary rehabilitation programs are likely to achieve a higher COPD Score. The availability of these resources is essential for effective COPD management.

Ultimately, the COPD Score for primary care in Shallotte is a dynamic measure, constantly evolving with advancements in medical care and changes in the healthcare landscape. The practices that adapt to these changes and prioritize patient-centered care are the ones that will achieve the highest scores and deliver the best outcomes for their COPD patients. Access to care, including the integration of mental health services, is crucial.

To gain a more visual and geographically informed perspective of the healthcare landscape in Shallotte, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and related resources, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides an invaluable tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care within the 28470 ZIP code.