28645, Lenoir, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28645, Lenoir, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.53 percent of the residents in 28645 has some form of health insurance. 44.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.27 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 28645 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,701 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28645. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9,468 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,587 health care providers accessible to residents in 28645, Lenoir, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28645 and Primary Care Availability in Lenoir

Evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, in Lenoir, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28645), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine utilization, and the integration of mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive COPD Score assessment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients and identify areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Lenoir, the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the overall population, and specifically to the population aged 65 and over (a demographic highly susceptible to COPD), is crucial. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, potentially poorer health outcomes. Researching the precise ratio within ZIP Code 28645 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when cross-referenced, will provide the most accurate picture. The analysis should also consider the presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists, and their availability to support primary care physicians in managing COPD cases.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is vital. These practices often demonstrate best practices in COPD care. This involves evaluating the following: Do they have dedicated COPD clinics or specialized programs? Do they offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site? Are they actively involved in patient education regarding medication adherence, lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, exercise), and exacerbation management? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress and coordinate care? Practices that proactively address these elements are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Examining patient reviews and feedback, while subjective, can also provide insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers several advantages: it can improve access to care for patients in rural areas, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients' conditions. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among Lenoir's primary care practices is crucial. Are they offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and education? Do they use remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters) to track patient’s oxygen saturation levels? Telemedicine can be particularly valuable in preventing exacerbations and improving patient self-management.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in COPD care, yet it is critically important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This involves assessing whether practices screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health specialists is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

A comprehensive COPD Score for the doctors in ZIP Code 28645 would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would contribute significantly to the score, reflecting the accessibility of care. The presence of standout practices, as determined by the criteria mentioned earlier, would positively influence the score. The level of telemedicine adoption would be another key factor, reflecting the practice’s ability to provide convenient and accessible care. Finally, the integration of mental health resources would be considered, recognizing the importance of holistic patient care. The score would be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10), with a higher score indicating better COPD care availability and quality.

For primary care availability in Lenoir, the analysis should also extend beyond the ZIP code, to include the broader Lenoir area. This broader scope is important because patients may seek care outside of their immediate ZIP code. The analysis should identify the geographic distribution of primary care practices, considering factors like accessibility for patients with mobility limitations. The analysis should also consider the availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, to help patients access care.

The COPD Score analysis should also identify any gaps in care. Are there underserved populations within Lenoir who have limited access to primary care or specialized COPD services? Are there specific areas where telemedicine adoption is lagging? Are there insufficient mental health resources available for COPD patients? Identifying these gaps is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve care.

The final COPD Score is not just a number; it’s a reflection of the commitment of the healthcare providers in Lenoir to providing quality care for COPD patients. This assessment should be regularly updated, as healthcare practices evolve and new technologies emerge. The goal is to continually improve the quality and accessibility of COPD care in Lenoir, ensuring that patients receive the support they need to manage their condition effectively and live fulfilling lives.

To fully visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, the locations of primary care practices, and the demographics of the population in Lenoir, and to identify areas with the greatest need, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to analyze data spatially and gain valuable insights.