28634, Harmony, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28634, Harmony, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.84 percent of the residents in 28634 has some form of health insurance. 36.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 28634 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,148 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28634. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 733 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,849 health care providers accessible to residents in 28634, Harmony, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28634 & Primary Care in Harmony, NC**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically focusing on resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 28634, encompassing the town of Harmony, North Carolina. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine utilization, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD care.

Harmony, a small community in Iredell County, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including limited access to specialized medical care and potential shortages of primary care physicians. COPD, a progressive lung disease, requires consistent monitoring, medication management, and patient education, making access to quality primary care essential.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access**

A critical indicator of primary care accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise, up-to-the-minute data for ZIP code 28634 is difficult to obtain, the general trend in rural North Carolina often reveals a lower density of primary care physicians compared to urban areas. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment for conditions like COPD.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also a key consideration. Patients with COPD often require referrals to specialists for advanced diagnostic testing, treatment adjustments, and management of exacerbations. Limited access to specialists in the immediate vicinity of Harmony would necessitate travel, adding a burden on patients and potentially impacting their ability to receive timely care.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Identifying specific standout primary care practices within ZIP code 28634 requires research into individual practices. This would involve assessing factors like the number of physicians, the range of services offered, and the practice's commitment to COPD management. Key indicators include whether practices offer spirometry testing (a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient education resources.

Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to COPD management often have dedicated staff trained in respiratory care, offer patient education materials, and actively monitor patients' lung function and medication adherence. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a significant factor, enabling practices to track patient data, coordinate care with specialists, and improve communication.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving access to care in rural areas like Harmony. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources can significantly benefit COPD patients. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent check-ins with healthcare providers.

The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 28634 is an important factor in the COPD Score assessment. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and online patient portals, are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care for COPD patients.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD Management**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. The physical limitations and chronic nature of the disease can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care.

Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care models, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of COPD patients. This integration can lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced hospitalizations, and enhanced quality of life. The presence of support groups and educational programs focused on coping with COPD and its emotional impact is also a positive indicator.

**COPD Score Assessment: A Holistic View**

The COPD Score for doctors in ZIP code 28634 would be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a strong primary care infrastructure, with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily available specialist referrals, active telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. A lower score would indicate potential challenges, such as limited access to care, a lack of specialized resources, and a need for improvements in telemedicine integration and mental health services.

The final score would be based on a comprehensive evaluation of available data, including physician demographics, practice characteristics, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resources. This assessment would provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of COPD care in Harmony, North Carolina, and identify areas for improvement.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating primary care resources for COPD management in Harmony, NC (28634) reveals the multifaceted nature of healthcare access in rural communities. The COPD Score, based on physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, provides a critical assessment of the available support. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals living with COPD.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harmony and the surrounding areas, including the precise location of medical facilities, physician specializations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide valuable insights and a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in the region.