28513, Ayden, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28513, Ayden, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.52 percent of the residents in 28513 has some form of health insurance. 39.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.24 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 28513 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,234 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28513. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,782 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 941 health care providers accessible to residents in 28513, Ayden, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Ayden, NC (ZIP Code 28513)

Ayden, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 28513, presents a unique challenge in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically focusing on factors relevant to COPD management, and to provide a "COPD Score" ranking for physicians within the area. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive COPD care.

The COPD Score, in this context, is not a formal, universally recognized metric. It is an analytical framework developed to evaluate the healthcare landscape within the specified geographic area. The score considers factors crucial to effective COPD management, including access to primary care, the presence of specialized pulmonologists, the availability of ancillary services like pulmonary rehabilitation, and the integration of mental health support. The higher the score, the better the overall environment for COPD patients.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A fundamental element of COPD care is consistent access to primary care physicians (PCPs). These physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms and play a vital role in diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. In Ayden (28513), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Information regarding the exact ratio fluctuates and requires ongoing monitoring of data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. Generally, rural areas often face challenges with physician shortages. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. The COPD Score for this component will be impacted by any documented shortages or increased patient loads.

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a nuanced understanding of their service offerings and patient outcomes. This involves assessing factors such as the number of PCPs within the practice, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs), and the presence of specialized programs for chronic disease management. Practices demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive care, including proactive patient education, regular follow-up appointments, and readily available respiratory therapists, will receive higher scores.

Specific practices that have demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care and are actively involved in community outreach efforts related to respiratory health will be highlighted. This could include those who participate in local health fairs, provide educational materials on COPD management, or offer support groups for patients and their families. The degree to which these practices embrace evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), will also be a key consideration.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. It offers patients the convenience of remote consultations, monitoring, and medication management, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The COPD Score will reflect the degree to which primary care practices in Ayden (28513) have embraced telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring systems (e.g., for tracking oxygen saturation levels or lung function), and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and support. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD management protocols will receive higher scores.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

COPD is a physically debilitating disease that can also have a significant impact on mental health. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD Score must therefore account for the availability of mental health resources within the community and their integration into primary care. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who specialize in working with patients with chronic illnesses, the availability of mental health counseling services, and the integration of mental health screening into primary care visits. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate resources will receive higher scores.

**Specific Considerations for Ayden (28513):**

Ayden's location within Pitt County is relevant. The county's overall healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of hospitals, specialist clinics, and community health centers, will influence the COPD Score. Factors such as the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, access to respiratory therapists, and the proximity to specialized pulmonary care centers will all be considered. The degree to which local healthcare providers collaborate and coordinate care for COPD patients will also be assessed.

**The COPD Score Framework:**

The COPD Score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights assigned to each factor will reflect their relative importance in providing comprehensive COPD care. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and access to primary care will likely carry a higher weight than the availability of telemedicine, though telemedicine is still important. The final score will be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 representing the best possible environment for COPD patients).

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Ayden (28513) requires a comprehensive assessment of multiple factors. The COPD Score framework provides a structured approach to evaluating primary care availability, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. By understanding these factors, patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers can work together to improve the quality of care for individuals living with COPD in this community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.