28689, Union Grove, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28689, Union Grove, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.31 percent of the residents in 28689 has some form of health insurance. 22.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.33 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 28689 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28689. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 212 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,681 health care providers accessible to residents in 28689, Union Grove, North Carolina.

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within ZIP code 28689, Union Grove, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the physician landscape, assess the adoption of telemedicine, evaluate mental health support, and ultimately provide a comprehensive COPD score, culminating in a call to action for data visualization through CartoChrome maps.

The foundation of any COPD care assessment rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 28689, a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations: a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urban settings. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend suggests a potential shortage, necessitating patients to travel further for appointments or experience longer wait times. This scarcity directly impacts the ability to receive timely diagnoses, establish effective treatment plans, and maintain consistent monitoring, all crucial for COPD management.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Assessing the practices within Union Grove involves examining their adherence to established COPD guidelines. This includes evaluating the use of spirometry for diagnosis, the implementation of smoking cessation programs, and the regular monitoring of lung function. Practices excelling in these areas will demonstrate a commitment to proactive and evidence-based care, translating into better patient outcomes. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into patient reviews, peer recommendations, and publicly available quality metrics.

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool, especially in rural areas where access to specialists and regular appointments can be difficult. The adoption of telemedicine within Union Grove's primary care practices is a significant factor in the COPD score. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function can significantly improve patient access to care and reduce the burden of travel. The sophistication of the telehealth systems, including the integration with electronic health records and the availability of remote monitoring devices, further influences the score.

COPD is not just a physical ailment; it frequently co-exists with mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation are common among COPD patients, exacerbating their symptoms and diminishing their quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential component of a comprehensive COPD care model. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or readily accessible through referrals. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, all vital for addressing the psychological impact of the disease. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD management programs will receive higher scores.

The COPD score itself will be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each component will be weighted based on its relative importance in achieving optimal COPD care. For instance, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, strong adherence to COPD guidelines, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services will receive a high score. Conversely, a practice lacking in these areas will receive a lower score.

The specific practices within ZIP code 28689 will be assessed individually, and their scores will be aggregated to provide an overall picture of COPD care availability in Union Grove. This will involve a detailed review of publicly available data, patient testimonials, and potentially, direct outreach to local practices to gather information. The goal is to create a transparent and objective assessment that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For example, a practice that has a low physician-to-patient ratio but compensates with extensive telemedicine capabilities and integrated mental health support might receive a moderate score. The score reflects the balance between resource availability and the innovative approaches to address the challenges of rural healthcare. Another practice with a strong physician presence but limited telemedicine and mental health resources might also receive a moderate score, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to COPD management.

The analysis will also consider the presence of specialized pulmonary care within a reasonable distance. While primary care forms the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists for complex cases and advanced treatments is crucial. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral processes will be factored into the overall score. This includes assessing the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which play a vital role in improving lung function and quality of life for COPD patients.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of educational resources for COPD patients. This includes access to information about the disease, self-management techniques, and support groups. Practices that actively promote patient education and empowerment will receive higher scores. This reflects the understanding that informed patients are better equipped to manage their condition and adhere to treatment plans.

In conclusion, the COPD score for Union Grove (ZIP code 28689) will be a dynamic assessment of the healthcare landscape, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local primary care system in addressing the needs of COPD patients. The score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas for improvement and promoting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

To gain a visual understanding of the data and explore the geographic distribution of resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing complex healthcare data, enabling you to explore the spatial relationships between physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within Union Grove and surrounding areas. Explore the data and visualize the landscape of COPD care in Union Grove with CartoChrome maps.