28531, Harkers Island, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28531, Harkers Island, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.04 percent of the residents in 28531 has some form of health insurance. 40.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.08 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 28531 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 184 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28531. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 339 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,152 health care providers accessible to residents in 28531, Harkers Island, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Harkers Island (28531) Primary Care and Physician Landscape**

This analysis delves into the primary care landscape of Harkers Island, North Carolina (ZIP code 28531), specifically focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care. The goal is to assess the availability, quality, and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the area, considering elements like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical for effective COPD management. This information is presented as a 'COPD Score' analysis, though a precise numerical score is not provided due to the limitations of publicly available data. Instead, the analysis offers a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in relation to COPD needs.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. Determining the exact ratio for Harkers Island alone is challenging due to data aggregation. However, the broader Carteret County data provides a general context. The county's physician-to-population ratio, and specifically the ratio of PCPs to the elderly population (a significant COPD demographic), is a key factor. A lower ratio indicates potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent care. The analysis considers the availability of PCPs within the immediate vicinity of Harkers Island, and the ease of access to specialists in nearby towns like Morehead City and Beaufort, as these are crucial for comprehensive COPD management.

Standout practices are identified based on their reputation, patient reviews (where available), and the specific services they offer relevant to COPD care. Practices that emphasize patient education, provide respiratory therapy services on-site, or actively participate in COPD-related clinical trials are considered favorably. The analysis explores whether practices offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a critical diagnostic tool for COPD. The availability of spirometry, a key component of PFTs, within primary care settings is a strong indicator of proactive COPD management. Additionally, the analysis examines whether practices have dedicated COPD management programs, including structured education and support groups.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve COPD care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis investigates the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the use of video conferencing, remote patient monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and online patient portals. Practices offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational resources are considered to have a higher score in this area.

Mental health resources are also essential for COPD patients. The chronic nature of COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referrals. Practices that have integrated behavioral health specialists or have established partnerships with mental health providers are considered to be providing more comprehensive care. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, for COPD patients and their families is also a factor.

Access to specialized pulmonary care is also assessed. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists in the broader region is critical for patients with more advanced COPD. The analysis considers the proximity of pulmonology practices and the ease of referral from local PCPs. The presence of respiratory therapy services, including nebulizer treatments and oxygen therapy, within the primary care setting or readily accessible through referrals is also a factor.

Medication management is a core component of COPD care. The analysis examines the ease with which patients can obtain necessary medications, including the availability of local pharmacies and the practices’ policies regarding prescription refills. Practices that utilize electronic prescribing and offer medication reconciliation services are considered to provide more efficient and coordinated care. The availability of patient assistance programs for COPD medications is also considered.

The analysis also considers the role of community resources. The availability of local support groups, educational programs, and resources from organizations like the American Lung Association is a positive factor. The analysis examines whether local practices actively promote these resources and collaborate with community organizations to provide comprehensive COPD care. The availability of smoking cessation programs is also a critical element.

Finally, the analysis considers the overall patient experience. Factors such as appointment wait times, the friendliness and responsiveness of staff, and the availability of patient education materials are all considered. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer clear and concise information about COPD, and actively involve patients in their care plans are considered to provide a higher level of care. The analysis considers the accessibility of practices for patients with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations.

The 'COPD Score' analysis for Harkers Island (28531) is not a simple numerical rating. Instead, it is a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape, considering the factors discussed above. While the exact score is not presented, the analysis provides a valuable overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in relation to COPD needs. The availability of PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall patient experience are all critical factors in determining the quality and accessibility of COPD care. The analysis highlights the importance of a proactive and patient-centered approach to COPD management, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients.

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in Harkers Island and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and the availability of specialized services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of care in your area.