28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.71 percent of the residents in 28673 has some form of health insurance. 33.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.61 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 28673 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28673. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,605 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,770 health care providers accessible to residents in 28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina.

The analysis below offers a preliminary assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care within ZIP code 28673, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. This evaluation considers factors crucial to managing COPD, including physician access, technological integration, and mental health support, all vital components of a comprehensive COPD Score.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 28673, and the surrounding areas of Sherrills Ford, is a critical starting point. While precise, real-time data on this metric is constantly evolving, publicly available resources such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the North Carolina Medical Board can offer insights. A low physician-to-patient ratio, reflecting a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to timely care, especially for chronic conditions like COPD. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates better access. This ratio directly impacts the ability of patients to receive regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation services, all essential elements of effective COPD care. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also crucial, as primary care physicians often refer patients with complex COPD cases.

Evaluating standout practices within Sherrills Ford requires considering several criteria. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management often exhibit specific characteristics. These include a proactive approach to patient education, offering resources on disease management, smoking cessation programs, and the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can improve care coordination and medication adherence. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and track COPD-related outcomes, such as hospital readmission rates, demonstrate a commitment to delivering high-quality care. Reviews from patients, accessible through online platforms, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for managing chronic conditions. Remote patient monitoring, where patients use wearable devices to track vital signs and transmit data to their physicians, can facilitate early intervention and prevent exacerbations. Virtual consultations allow patients to connect with their healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The availability of telemedicine services, including video conferencing and remote monitoring, reflects a practice's commitment to providing accessible and convenient care. Practices that embrace telemedicine often demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

Mental health resources play a crucial role in COPD management. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and physical activity, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing these issues. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care models, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. Furthermore, educational programs and support groups can help patients cope with the emotional challenges associated with COPD.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is a critical component of effective COPD management. These programs, typically offered by hospitals or specialized clinics, provide supervised exercise training, education on breathing techniques, and support to help patients improve their lung function and quality of life. The proximity of these programs to patients within 28673 is a significant factor. Practices that actively refer patients to pulmonary rehabilitation programs demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care.

The overall COPD Score for primary care in Sherrills Ford is a composite of these factors. It is not a single, definitive number but rather a nuanced assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. A high score would indicate good physician-to-patient ratios, practices demonstrating excellence in COPD management, widespread telemedicine adoption, readily available mental health resources, and easy access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine options, or insufficient mental health support.

To obtain a more precise and data-driven assessment, a comprehensive analysis would require access to specific data points, including physician demographics, practice characteristics, and patient outcomes. This information is often available through various sources, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, professional medical organizations, and healthcare data analytics companies.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of 28673 and surrounding areas, including detailed mapping of healthcare providers, access to specialists, and the availability of specific services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual and interactive platform for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources, identifying potential gaps in care, and making informed decisions about healthcare access.