28552, Lowland, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28552, Lowland, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.98 percent of the residents in 28552 has some form of health insurance. 83.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.78 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 28552 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 102 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28552. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 97 health care providers accessible to residents in 28552, Lowland, North Carolina.

The following analysis evaluates the quality of COPD care available to residents of ZIP code 28552, focusing on primary care physician availability and related services in the Lowland area. This assessment is designed to provide a comprehensive overview, considering factors crucial for managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The cornerstone of effective COPD management lies in consistent access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Lowland, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise, constantly updated figures are difficult to obtain without real-time data analysis, publicly available information suggests a potential scarcity of PCPs in the area. This can be a significant challenge for individuals with COPD, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary function testing. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care hinges on the practices themselves. Identifying standout practices involves assessing several key elements. These include the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing, which allows for prompt and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of COPD progression. Practices that offer comprehensive respiratory therapy services, including education on breathing techniques, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, are highly valued. Furthermore, a practice's commitment to patient education, providing resources and support groups, significantly empowers patients to manage their condition effectively.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in COPD management, particularly in rural areas like Lowland. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide ongoing support can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The adoption rate of telemedicine among practices in 28552 is an important factor. Practices embracing telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes by providing more frequent and convenient check-ins, adjusting medications based on remote monitoring data, and offering educational resources online.

Mental health is intrinsically linked to COPD. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and daily activities, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a comprehensive COPD care strategy. The presence of on-site mental health professionals, or strong referral networks to mental health specialists, is a significant advantage. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide counseling or support services are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their COPD patients.

The availability of specialized respiratory therapists is another crucial aspect. These professionals play a vital role in educating patients on proper inhaler techniques, providing breathing exercises, and monitoring lung function. Practices that have dedicated respiratory therapists on staff or have strong partnerships with respiratory therapy providers can offer more comprehensive and personalized care. They can also assist in managing exacerbations and educating patients on how to recognize and respond to worsening symptoms.

Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) plays a significant role. EHRs facilitate the seamless exchange of information between different healthcare providers, ensuring that all members of the care team have access to the patient's medical history, medications, and test results. This can improve coordination of care, reduce the risk of medication errors, and streamline the management of COPD. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are generally better equipped to provide efficient and coordinated care.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another key factor. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. The presence of such programs in the Lowland area, or readily accessible programs in nearby communities, is a significant advantage for COPD patients. These programs can empower patients to take control of their condition and live more active and fulfilling lives.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves assessing the practice's commitment to patient communication. Practices that prioritize clear and consistent communication with patients, providing them with easy access to their medical records, test results, and educational materials, foster a stronger patient-provider relationship and improve patient satisfaction. This includes providing information in a language the patient understands and offering multiple communication channels, such as phone, email, and patient portals.

The accessibility of pharmacies specializing in respiratory medications is also relevant. Patients with COPD often require a variety of medications, including inhalers, nebulizers, and oral medications. The proximity of pharmacies that stock these medications and offer specialized services, such as medication counseling and refill reminders, can significantly improve medication adherence and overall disease management.

Finally, the practice's involvement in community outreach and education is a positive indicator. Practices that actively participate in community events, offer educational seminars on COPD, and partner with local organizations to raise awareness about the disease are demonstrating a commitment to improving the health of the community. This proactive approach can help to identify individuals at risk for COPD, promote early diagnosis, and improve overall health outcomes.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in ZIP code 28552 requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices based on their services and resources, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources, specialized respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient education.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lowland, and to visually explore the distribution of healthcare providers and related services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize data, identify areas with limited access to care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.