28518, Beulaville, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.17 percent of the residents in 28518 has some form of health insurance. 45.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.59 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 28518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,898 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28518. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,451 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina.

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians in Beulaville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28518), focusing on factors relevant to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. The score considers physician availability, resource accessibility, and technological integration, aiming to gauge the overall quality of care for COPD patients within the community.

The foundation of COPD care is access to a primary care physician. Beulaville, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for COPD. Data from reputable sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is necessary to accurately determine the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 28518. This data, when available, would be a primary factor in determining the COPD Score. A lower ratio would significantly detract from the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type of primary care practices available matters. Are the practices primarily solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer advantages, such as shared resources, a wider range of specialists, and the ability to cover patient needs even when a primary care physician is unavailable. The presence of internal medicine specialists or pulmonologists within the group is a significant advantage for COPD patients, as it facilitates easier referrals and coordinated care. Practices with established COPD management protocols, including regular spirometry testing and patient education programs, would receive higher marks.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. Are there any practices in Beulaville that have demonstrated a commitment to COPD care through specific initiatives? This could include participation in quality improvement programs, patient support groups, or partnerships with local hospitals or respiratory therapists. Practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, track exacerbation rates, and proactively manage medication adherence would be considered leaders in COPD care. Patient reviews and testimonials, when available and ethically sourced, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for managing COPD, particularly in rural areas where travel can be a barrier to care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management support through telehealth platforms receive a higher score. This is especially true for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, which can be efficiently managed remotely. Telemedicine reduces the burden on patients and improves access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, and that routinely screen patients for mental health issues, will receive a higher score. This integrated approach to care recognizes the holistic needs of COPD patients. Access to support groups and educational programs that address the emotional and psychological aspects of COPD is also highly beneficial.

The availability of respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a key factor. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in educating patients about their condition, teaching them breathing techniques, and providing support during exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which combine exercise, education, and support, can significantly improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for COPD patients. Practices with strong relationships with these resources will score higher.

The availability of diagnostic equipment is another important factor. Access to spirometry, a test that measures lung function, is essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Practices that have readily available spirometry equipment and trained staff to administer and interpret the tests are better equipped to provide effective COPD care.

The COPD Score for physicians in ZIP Code 28518, therefore, is a multifaceted assessment. It is not a simple ranking but a holistic evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem. A high score reflects a community with sufficient physician availability, integrated services, and a proactive approach to COPD management. A low score indicates areas for improvement, such as increasing physician access, expanding telemedicine adoption, and improving mental health support. The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists or respiratory therapists, is also essential.

In conclusion, the COPD Score analysis for Beulaville highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing the quality of care for COPD patients. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring that individuals with COPD receive the comprehensive care they need. For a visual representation of these factors, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive and interactive overview of the healthcare landscape in Beulaville, allowing you to visualize the data and make informed decisions about COPD care.