28692, Vilas, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28692 has some form of health insurance. 35.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 28692 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28692. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 532 health care providers accessible to residents in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: 28692 and Vilas Primary Care

Analyzing the quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility in a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28692 and the town of Vilas, North Carolina, examining key indicators to develop a "COPD Score" that reflects the overall landscape. The score isn't a single number but a composite assessment based on several factors.

The first critical element is physician availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. In 28692, data needs to be gathered to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing within the ZIP code. This number is then compared to the population of 28692. A low ratio indicates a potential shortage, making it harder for patients to access timely appointments and ongoing care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. In Vilas, the same analysis is performed, focusing on the primary care physicians serving the town’s population.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians matters. Are the PCPs and pulmonologists concentrated in one area, or are they spread out to serve the rural population effectively? This geographic distribution is crucial for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, which are often significant barriers for COPD patients. The location of specialists relative to primary care practices is also assessed. Efficient referral pathways and close collaboration between primary care and pulmonology are essential for optimal COPD management.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in COPD care. Identifying these practices involves looking at several factors. Do they offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing? Do they have dedicated COPD education programs for patients? Do they actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD? Do they have a track record of positive patient outcomes, such as reduced exacerbations and improved quality of life? Furthermore, assessing the availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometers and nebulizers, within these practices is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages for COPD patients, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients living in remote areas or those with limited mobility. The extent of telemedicine implementation is evaluated by looking at the types of services offered, the technology used, and the patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, within the primary care practices or through referral networks is assessed. Collaboration between pulmonologists, PCPs, and mental health providers is crucial for providing holistic care. The presence of support groups and educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of COPD is also considered.

Specific examples of standout practices are identified by analyzing their services and outcomes. For example, a practice offering a comprehensive COPD education program, including breathing techniques, medication management, and lifestyle modifications, would receive a higher score. Another practice that actively utilizes telemedicine for remote monitoring and virtual consultations would also be highly rated. The practices' willingness to participate in research and their commitment to patient-centered care are also assessed.

The analysis also considers the availability of respiratory therapists, who play a vital role in COPD management. Respiratory therapists provide education, perform pulmonary rehabilitation, and assist patients with breathing exercises. The number of respiratory therapists available and their integration into the care team are evaluated. Access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a key factor. These programs help patients improve their lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life.

In the town of Vilas, the primary care availability is assessed by examining the number of PCPs serving the town, their geographic distribution, and their ability to accept new patients. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments is also evaluated. The quality of primary care is assessed by looking at factors such as the practice's accreditation, its use of electronic health records, and its patient satisfaction scores. The ability of primary care physicians to effectively manage COPD patients and coordinate their care with specialists is also assessed.

The COPD Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time as healthcare practices evolve. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care provided. This ongoing evaluation allows for continuous improvement in COPD care and primary care access.

The final COPD Score is a composite of these factors, reflecting the overall quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility in 28692 and Vilas. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources. It can also be used to highlight standout practices that are providing excellent care.

This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the COPD care landscape in 28692 and Vilas, North Carolina. The insights gained can be used to improve patient care, increase access to resources, and ultimately enhance the lives of individuals living with COPD.

If you'd like to visualize this data, explore the geographic distribution of physicians, and identify areas with high and low access to care, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their platform can provide detailed maps and visualizations, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28692 and Vilas.