28527, Ernul, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28527, Ernul, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.84 percent of the residents in 28527 has some form of health insurance. 46.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.44 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 28527 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 180 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28527. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,909 health care providers accessible to residents in 28527, Ernul, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care in Ernul, NC (ZIP Code 28527)**

Evaluating the landscape of primary care and its capacity to serve patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Ernul, North Carolina (ZIP code 28527) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll delve into key aspects influencing COPD care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced 'COPD Score' analysis, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas ripe for improvement within this specific geographical context.

The foundation of effective COPD management is access to a skilled primary care physician. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. Unfortunately, precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratio data for Ernul, NC, is often difficult to obtain with complete accuracy. Publicly available data, often aggregated at the county level (Craven County, in this case), suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians compared to national averages. This shortage can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and challenges in establishing the consistent, long-term relationship vital for COPD care. Patients with COPD require regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and education, making the availability of a readily accessible primary care provider paramount.

Within Ernul, the characteristics of existing primary care practices vary. Some practices may be part of larger healthcare systems, offering a broader range of services and potentially better coordination of care. These larger systems may have dedicated respiratory therapists or pulmonologists on staff, providing specialized expertise for COPD management. Other practices might be smaller, independent operations. While these smaller practices can offer a more personalized approach, they may have fewer resources or less access to specialized equipment. The 'COPD Score' would need to consider the size, affiliation, and service offerings of each practice in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, especially those with mobility limitations or living in remote areas. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual check-ups, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient outcomes and reduce the frequency of hospitalizations. Assessing the level of telemedicine integration within primary care practices in Ernul is essential. Practices actively using telemedicine, offering remote monitoring, and virtual consultations would receive a higher 'COPD Score' compared to those with limited or no telemedicine capabilities.

Mental health is a frequent co-morbidity with COPD. The chronic nature of COPD, its impact on breathing, and the limitations it places on daily activities can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The 'COPD Score' must reflect the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks. Practices with on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with mental health providers, or established referral pathways for behavioral health services would be viewed more favorably. This integrated approach to care is essential for addressing the holistic needs of COPD patients.

Identifying standout practices within Ernul requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the credentials and experience of physicians, and evaluating the practice's commitment to COPD-specific care. Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on COPD management, including patient education programs, pulmonary rehabilitation services, and proactive medication management, would be considered high-performing. These practices would contribute significantly to a higher overall 'COPD Score' for the area.

The 'COPD Score' is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This ongoing evaluation allows for informed decision-making by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The overall 'COPD Score' for primary care in Ernul, NC (ZIP code 28527) is likely to be influenced by the limited resources and the challenges inherent in a rural environment. The physician-to-patient ratio may be a limiting factor. The presence of telemedicine, mental health integration, and COPD-specific programs will be crucial determinants of the score.

To gain a visual understanding of the primary care landscape in Ernul, NC, and to identify potential areas for improvement, we recommend exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to healthcare resources, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.