28571, Oriental, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28571, Oriental, North Carolina is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 28571 has some form of health insurance. 56.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.39 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 28571 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28571. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,226 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,295 health care providers accessible to residents in 28571, Oriental, North Carolina.

The analysis that follows assesses the quality of COPD care in ZIP Code 28571, with a specific focus on the town of Oriental, North Carolina, and the availability of primary care physicians. The evaluation considers factors relevant to patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the identification of standout medical practices.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. In Oriental, a rural community, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of health outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio within this ZIP code is a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to challenges in accessing timely appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The precise physician-to-patient ratio for 28571 requires careful investigation using data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. This initial assessment will establish a baseline understanding of the community's capacity to meet the needs of COPD patients.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is equally important. This involves evaluating the practices' approaches to COPD management. Do they follow current guidelines? Do they utilize spirometry testing for diagnosis? Do they offer patient education programs on topics like medication adherence, breathing techniques, and smoking cessation? These are crucial elements of a comprehensive COPD care plan. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these best practices will be considered more favorably in the overall assessment.

Telemedicine is emerging as a valuable tool, particularly in rural areas, to overcome geographical barriers to care. Its adoption by primary care practices in 28571 is a significant factor. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups or medication adjustments. The presence of telemedicine capabilities, including video consultations and remote monitoring tools, will be considered a positive indicator of a practice's commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

The complex nature of COPD often necessitates attention to mental health. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges related to their condition. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists will be viewed as demonstrating a more holistic approach to patient care. This integration can significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological aspects of the disease.

Identifying standout practices within 28571 is a key objective. This involves looking for practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in COPD care. These practices might have a higher proportion of patients with well-controlled COPD, a lower rate of hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations, or a strong record of patient satisfaction. They might also be actively involved in community outreach programs or patient education initiatives. The assessment will involve reviewing publicly available data, patient reviews (where available), and potentially consulting with local healthcare professionals to identify these exemplary practices.

The assessment also considers the availability of resources beyond the primary care setting. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are designed to improve exercise capacity and quality of life for COPD patients. The presence of these programs, either within the community or within a reasonable travel distance, is an important factor. Access to respiratory therapists, who can provide education and support for breathing techniques and medication management, is another element of a comprehensive COPD care system.

The analysis will also address the challenges faced by COPD patients in 28571. This may include transportation difficulties, limited access to specialized care, and socioeconomic factors that can affect health outcomes. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing strategies to improve COPD care in the community. This requires looking beyond the individual practice level and considering the broader context of healthcare delivery in the area.

The overall 'COPD Score' for doctors in 28571 will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a foundational element, reflecting the basic accessibility of care. The adoption of telemedicine will be given significant weight, recognizing its potential to improve access and convenience. The presence of mental health resources will be considered a key indicator of a holistic approach to patient care. The identification of standout practices will provide a benchmark for excellence and highlight best practices within the community. The final score will reflect the overall quality of COPD care available to patients in Oriental and the surrounding area.

This 'COPD Score' analysis is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of COPD care in 28571. It is not a definitive ranking, but rather a snapshot of the current situation. It is important to recognize that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and this assessment should be updated periodically to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and other relevant factors. The goal is to provide valuable information to patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping them to make informed decisions and improve the quality of COPD care in Oriental and the surrounding communities.

The data used in this analysis will be drawn from various sources, including public health records, medical directories, and patient reviews. The accuracy of the assessment will depend on the availability and reliability of this data. It is important to note that this analysis is based on the information available at the time of the assessment and may not reflect future changes in the healthcare landscape.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 28571, including physician locations, access to services, and other relevant data, explore the power of spatial analysis. Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.