28619, Drexel, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.86 percent of the residents in 28619 has some form of health insurance. 18.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.94 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 28619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28619. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,413 health care providers accessible to residents in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Drexel, NC (ZIP Code 28619)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Drexel, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28619), focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care. We examine primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a COPD Score ranking. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to COPD patients and identify areas for potential improvement.

Drexel, a small town in Burke County, faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural communities often experience shortages of healthcare professionals and limited access to specialized services. The prevalence of COPD, a chronic respiratory disease, is a significant concern, especially in areas with a history of industrial activity and smoking. Effective management of COPD requires readily accessible primary care, pulmonary specialists, and supportive services.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

One of the most critical factors in COPD care is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs serve as the cornerstone of COPD management, providing ongoing care, coordinating specialist referrals, and educating patients about disease management. The physician-to-patient ratio in Drexel is a key indicator of access to care. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is constantly shifting, publicly available information suggests that Burke County, and by extension Drexel, may face a shortage of PCPs relative to the population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Further research, including contacting local healthcare providers, is needed to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio and its impact on COPD patients.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices**

The characteristics of primary care practices in Drexel significantly influence the quality of COPD care. Factors such as the size of the practice, the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., spirometry), and the presence of specialized staff (e.g., respiratory therapists, certified diabetes educators) are all important. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive COPD management programs, and actively engage in care coordination are likely to provide superior care. Identifying “standout practices” requires a deeper dive into the specific services offered. This would involve researching local clinics and hospitals, looking at online reviews, and assessing the availability of resources such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address healthcare access challenges, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Drexel is crucial for COPD patients. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and access to specialists who may not be physically present in the community. The ability to conduct virtual follow-up appointments, manage medication refills, and provide patient education remotely can significantly improve COPD patient outcomes. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practices' workflows.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance**

COPD can have a significant impact on mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, and the potential for social isolation can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources in Drexel is therefore a critical consideration. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential for providing comprehensive COPD care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD management programs are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Researching the availability of mental health services, including the presence of therapists and counselors specializing in chronic illness, is vital.

**COPD Score Ranking Methodology**

A COPD Score ranking for Drexel would be based on a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. The methodology would involve assigning points to each factor based on its importance to COPD care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio would receive a significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. The availability of diagnostic equipment, the presence of specialized staff, and the adoption of telemedicine would also be weighted heavily. The availability of mental health resources would also be considered.

The final COPD Score would be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor. This score would then be used to rank the healthcare landscape in Drexel relative to other communities. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with better access to care, more comprehensive services, and greater support for their needs.

**Conclusion**

The healthcare landscape in Drexel, NC, presents both challenges and opportunities for COPD patients. While the rural setting may present limitations in physician availability, the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services can help mitigate these challenges. A comprehensive COPD Score ranking would provide a valuable tool for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement. Further research, including direct contact with healthcare providers, is necessary to gather the most up-to-date information and create a meaningful COPD Score.

**Call to Action**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Drexel, NC, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and services, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify the locations of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and mental health providers, and analyze their proximity to patients. Visit CartoChrome.com to start your journey towards a clearer picture of healthcare access in Drexel and beyond.