28707, Balsam, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.03 percent of the residents in 28707 has some form of health insurance. 48.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.10 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 28707 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 77 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28707. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 162 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 28707, Balsam, North Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Balsam, NC (ZIP Code 28707)**

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is crucial for community well-being. This analysis focuses on the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28707, encompassing Balsam, North Carolina, with a specific focus on primary care physicians and their capacity to manage COPD patients. We'll assess various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, to formulate a COPD Score.

The foundation of any robust COPD care system lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Balsam, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. Assuming a hypothetical scenario, if the area has 10 PCPs serving a population of 5,000, the ratio would be 1:500. A lower ratio, such as 1:300, generally indicates better access to care, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and more consistent management of COPD. Conversely, a higher ratio, like 1:700 or higher, might signify a shortage of PCPs, potentially causing longer wait times for appointments and, consequently, delayed interventions for COPD patients.

The quality of primary care is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The practices themselves play a significant role. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the adoption of evidence-based COPD management protocols. Some practices might excel in providing comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD. Others may have dedicated respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in COPD education and management. Assessing these aspects requires detailed research, including reviewing online patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and possibly conducting interviews with healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Balsam. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. For COPD patients, telemedicine can be invaluable for monitoring symptoms, providing medication management support, and offering virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual check-ups, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals, are likely to score higher in our analysis.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of the disease and its impact on their daily lives. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is, therefore, essential. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, collaborate with mental health professionals, or have established referral pathways for mental health support will be better equipped to provide holistic care for COPD patients. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.

To formulate a COPD Score, we would assign weights to each of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might account for 20% of the score, while the quality of practices could account for 30%, telemedicine adoption 25%, and the availability of mental health resources 25%. Each practice or area would then be scored on each factor, and the scores would be combined to produce an overall COPD Score. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD care, reflecting better access, higher-quality services, and a more comprehensive approach to patient management.

In the context of Balsam, NC, the final COPD Score would depend on the specific data gathered. If the area has a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, several practices with good reputations, a strong telemedicine presence, and robust mental health resources, the COPD Score would be high. Conversely, if there is a shortage of PCPs, practices are less equipped to manage COPD, telemedicine is not widely adopted, and mental health resources are limited, the score would be lower.

It's important to remember that this analysis is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and factors like physician availability, practice capabilities, and technology adoption can change rapidly. Regular reassessments are necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the COPD Score.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the healthcare resources available within a specific geographic area. The data required for this analysis is complex and often requires significant research. The ability to visualize this data on a map can greatly enhance understanding and facilitate decision-making.

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