28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28628 has some form of health insurance. 57.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 28628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28628. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,113 health care providers accessible to residents in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28628 and Primary Care Availability in Glen Alpine

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Glen Alpine, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28628) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical factors in managing a chronic respiratory illness like COPD. This assessment is designed to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Glen Alpine, the ratio of primary care physicians to the overall population, and specifically to the population aged 65 and older (the demographic most susceptible to COPD), is a crucial starting point. Data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board can be used to calculate these ratios. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would significantly impact access, leading to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to COPD management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and improved patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care offered by individual clinics and physician groups. This requires research into factors such as accreditation by organizations like the Joint Commission, patient satisfaction scores (often available through online reviews and surveys), the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management (e.g., adherence to the GOLD – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease – guidelines), and the availability of specialized services like pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these areas are likely to provide superior care for COPD patients.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical consideration in the context of COPD. Telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments due to mobility issues or geographic constraints. The ability to remotely monitor patients’ symptoms, provide medication management, and offer virtual consultations can greatly improve patient outcomes and reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., connected spirometers or pulse oximeters), and the integration of telehealth into the overall care plan. Practices with a robust telemedicine infrastructure are better equipped to support COPD patients.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources is essential for COPD patients. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with the physical limitations and social isolation it can cause, often leads to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is therefore vital. This analysis examines the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves, as well as the proximity and accessibility of external mental health providers. The presence of integrated behavioral health services or referrals to mental health specialists is a strong indicator of a practice’s commitment to holistic patient care.

The analysis of primary care availability in Glen Alpine also requires considering the broader healthcare ecosystem. This includes the presence of nearby hospitals with pulmonology departments, access to respiratory therapists, and the availability of home healthcare services. The presence of these supporting services can greatly enhance the overall quality of COPD care. Analyzing the referral patterns of primary care physicians to specialists and the availability of these ancillary services is essential.

A comprehensive COPD score for the area would be based on a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio would be weighted heavily, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would also receive significant weight, reflecting their impact on the quality of care. The availability of supporting services would contribute to the overall score, indicating the comprehensiveness of the healthcare ecosystem.

The evaluation of individual practices and the overall healthcare landscape requires a thorough investigation. This involves gathering data from multiple sources, including publicly available information, patient reviews, and, ideally, direct communication with local healthcare providers. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the addition of new physicians, the adoption of new technologies, or changes in the availability of mental health resources.

The resulting COPD score would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to identify areas where resources are needed and to develop strategies to improve the overall quality of COPD care.

This analysis, conducted with thorough data gathering and a commitment to accuracy, can provide a clear picture of the primary care landscape in Glen Alpine for COPD patients. It's a complex issue, and the best practices will always evolve.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Glen Alpine and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to utilize the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive and customizable maps that can help you visualize the data discussed above and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.