28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.06 percent of the residents in 28626 has some form of health insurance. 34.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.44 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 28626 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 471 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28626. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 605 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,845 health care providers accessible to residents in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of COPD care within the Fleetwood, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28626) area, considering primary care access and related resources. This evaluation will consider physician availability, innovative care models, and the integration of mental health support, all crucial components of effective COPD management.

Fleetwood, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to more urban settings. This scarcity can directly impact the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and consistent care, which is critical for managing this chronic respiratory disease.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. While precise figures for ZIP Code 28626 require localized data, the broader Watauga County, where Fleetwood is located, likely reflects a ratio that may be less favorable than national averages. This means fewer primary care physicians (PCPs) are available to serve a potentially larger patient population, including those with COPD. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, further complicates the situation. COPD management often requires consultation with or referral to pulmonologists for advanced diagnostics and treatment. The distance and accessibility to these specialists become significant factors in the overall quality of care for COPD patients in Fleetwood.

Standout practices within the area, if any, will be crucial to identify. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD care might be recognized by their use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and proactive management strategies. These practices might also be more likely to participate in clinical trials or implement innovative approaches to care delivery.

Telemedicine adoption presents a promising avenue for improving COPD care in Fleetwood. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, monitor their symptoms, and receive necessary education and support. This is particularly advantageous for patients who live in remote areas or have mobility limitations. The successful implementation of telemedicine requires reliable internet access and patient training.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Effective COPD management necessitates addressing these mental health concerns. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, and their integration into the primary care setting are vital.

Specific practices that excel in this area would be highly valued. This includes offering on-site counseling, providing referrals to mental health specialists, and educating patients about the link between COPD and mental health. The availability of support groups, either in-person or online, also plays a significant role in providing emotional support and promoting self-management skills.

The COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28626, therefore, is not a single number but rather a composite assessment based on several factors. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the implementation of evidence-based COPD management protocols.

The primary care availability in Fleetwood directly influences the COPD Score. If primary care access is limited, the score will be negatively affected. Conversely, if there is a robust network of PCPs, specialists, and support services, the score will improve.

The presence of standout practices that prioritize COPD care can significantly boost the score. These practices would be identified by their proactive approach to patient education, their use of advanced diagnostic tools, and their commitment to patient-centered care.

The adoption of telemedicine can also positively impact the score, particularly in a rural area like Fleetwood. Telemedicine reduces geographical barriers to care and allows patients to receive timely support.

Finally, the integration of mental health resources is a critical factor. Practices that recognize the link between COPD and mental health and provide appropriate support will receive a higher score.

This comprehensive assessment will help in understanding the current state of COPD care in Fleetwood and identifying areas for improvement. It will also provide valuable information for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers looking to enhance their services.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 28626 and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful way to understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and other factors that influence COPD care.