28669, Roaring River, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.65 percent of the residents in 28669 has some form of health insurance. 35.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.49 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 28669 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 496 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28669. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Roaring River, NC (ZIP Code 28669)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Roaring River, North Carolina (ZIP code 28669) requires a multifaceted approach. We must assess the availability and quality of primary care, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of managing a chronic respiratory condition like COPD. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients in this specific area.

The foundation of COPD management lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Roaring River, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, must be cross-referenced to determine the exact ratio. This ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The age and experience of the physicians, their specializations (e.g., pulmonology), and their willingness to accept new patients are also crucial.

Beyond the raw numbers, identifying standout primary care practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. They might employ certified respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and actively participate in patient education initiatives. They might also be early adopters of technology to improve patient management. These practices will often have well-established protocols for COPD diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, including regular spirometry testing and medication management. They would also be actively involved in patient education.

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural areas like Roaring River. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care from specialists and receive regular check-ups without the need for lengthy travel. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, enabling remote monitoring of vital signs, medication adherence checks, and virtual consultations with pulmonologists. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care physicians in 28669, the types of telemedicine platforms used, and the extent to which these platforms are integrated into patient care workflows are key factors to consider.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can worsen their physical symptoms and overall quality of life. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is therefore crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as the ability to screen patients for mental health conditions and provide appropriate referrals. The integration of mental health services into the primary care model can significantly improve patient outcomes.

To conduct a thorough COPD score analysis, we need to assess several key areas. First, we must determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 28669 ZIP code. This should be cross-referenced with population data to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. Second, we need to identify the specific practices that provide primary care and evaluate their services. This would involve researching the services offered, the qualifications of the medical staff, and the accessibility of the practice.

Furthermore, we must evaluate the availability and utilization of telemedicine services. We need to determine which practices offer telemedicine, what platforms they use, and how frequently they use them. We also need to assess how well these services are integrated into the patient care workflow. Finally, we need to assess the integration of mental health services into the primary care practices. This involves determining whether the practices screen for mental health conditions, provide counseling services, and offer referrals to mental health specialists.

The COPD score would be a composite score reflecting the quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in managing COPD. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the COPD landscape in Roaring River.

The analysis would also consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, in the broader region. While these specialists may not be located directly within the 28669 ZIP code, their proximity and accessibility are crucial for patients with complex COPD cases. Transportation options, such as public transportation or patient assistance programs, would also be factored into the analysis.

The data gathered would be analyzed to provide a comprehensive COPD score for the area. The score would reflect the overall quality of care available to COPD patients in Roaring River. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would help patients make informed decisions about their care, help providers identify areas for improvement, and help policymakers allocate resources effectively.

This analysis highlights the complexities of providing adequate COPD care in a rural setting. It underscores the importance of accessible primary care, the potential of telemedicine, and the critical need for integrated mental health services. By meticulously evaluating these factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the resources available to patients in Roaring River and identify areas for improvement.

To visualize and understand the geographic distribution of these resources, including the location of primary care practices, telemedicine availability, and mental health services, consider using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the COPD landscape in Roaring River, allowing you to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing care to patients with COPD.