28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.04 percent of the residents in 28644 has some form of health insurance. 42.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.22 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 28644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28644. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 729 health care providers accessible to residents in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Laurel Springs, NC (ZIP Code 28644)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Laurel Springs, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28644) requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative healthcare delivery methods, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'COPD Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community's healthcare infrastructure.

The primary challenge in assessing COPD care in Laurel Springs lies in its rural nature. This often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to urban areas. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code is crucial. While precise figures require detailed data analysis, the general trend in rural North Carolina suggests a potential shortage of PCPs. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it more difficult for COPD patients to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.

The availability of primary care is the cornerstone of effective COPD management. Regular check-ups with a PCP are essential for monitoring lung function, adjusting medication, and addressing any complications. The 'COPD Score' must therefore consider the accessibility of primary care. This includes the physical proximity of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices with extended hours, weekend availability, and a broad insurance network would contribute positively to the score. Conversely, practices with limited availability or restrictive insurance policies would negatively impact the score.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is critical. These practices likely demonstrate excellence in COPD care through various factors. These might include having physicians with specialized training in pulmonary medicine or a strong track record in managing COPD patients. They might also be distinguished by their use of evidence-based guidelines, their commitment to patient education, and their collaborative approach to care. Such practices often employ respiratory therapists, offering pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and providing access to smoking cessation resources. These features would significantly boost the 'COPD Score' for the area.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key factor influencing the 'COPD Score'. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for improving access to care, especially in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily lives. For COPD patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for medication management, symptom monitoring, and providing ongoing support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and online educational resources, would receive a higher score.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of COPD care. Living with COPD can be incredibly challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The 'COPD Score' must therefore consider the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care programs, offering referrals to mental health professionals or providing on-site counseling, would significantly improve the score. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide invaluable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for COPD patients.

Furthermore, the 'COPD Score' must assess the availability of specialized pulmonary care. While primary care physicians are essential for managing COPD, patients with complex conditions or experiencing acute exacerbations may require the expertise of a pulmonologist. The proximity to pulmonologists, whether located within the ZIP code or in nearby communities, is a crucial factor. The ease of referral from PCPs to pulmonologists and the availability of specialized diagnostic testing, such as pulmonary function tests, also contribute to the score.

In addition to these factors, the 'COPD Score' should consider the overall health of the community. Factors such as air quality, smoking rates, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact COPD outcomes. Communities with poor air quality or high smoking rates would likely have a lower score. Conversely, communities with initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles, such as smoking cessation programs and access to fresh produce, would receive a higher score.

The 'COPD Score' should also incorporate data on hospital readmission rates for COPD patients. High readmission rates often indicate inadequate disease management or a lack of access to appropriate care. Practices and communities with lower readmission rates would receive a higher score, reflecting their success in providing effective COPD care.

The analysis of the 'COPD Score' in Laurel Springs, NC, requires a comprehensive data-driven approach. This involves gathering information from various sources, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, public health agencies, and patient surveys. The final score should reflect a holistic assessment of the community's ability to provide high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered COPD care.

Ultimately, the 'COPD Score' is not just a number; it's a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to support individuals living with COPD. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, this analysis can inform efforts to improve care delivery, reduce disease burden, and enhance the quality of life for COPD patients in Laurel Springs and the surrounding areas.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurel Springs, NC, and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive and comprehensive assessment of the 'COPD Score' and the overall healthcare environment. **Explore the possibilities – visit CartoChrome maps today.**