28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 41.07 percent of the residents in 28708 has some form of health insurance. 41.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.24 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 28708 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28708. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina.

The analysis of COPD care within ZIP Code 28708, encompassing the Balsam Grove area, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the utilization of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the COPD landscape in this specific locale, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare access and quality.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. In rural areas, the scarcity of primary care physicians can significantly impact access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD. The ideal ratio, of course, varies depending on the specific needs of the population. However, a lower ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can often lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Data from relevant state and national sources, such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Health and Human Services, should be consulted to establish a baseline for this ZIP code. This baseline will then be compared to state and national averages to determine if the area is underserved.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Within ZIP Code 28708, certain primary care practices may demonstrate exceptional commitment to COPD management. This could be evidenced by factors such as a high percentage of patients receiving regular pulmonary function tests, robust patient education programs on COPD management, and proactive interventions to prevent exacerbations. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those offered by the American Lung Association or the COPD Foundation, should be noted. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their utilization for population health management, specifically for COPD patients, would be a key indicator of a practice's commitment to quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offers significant advantages for COPD patients, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations with physicians and respiratory therapists, and access to educational resources. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD care model should be highlighted. This includes assessing the type of telemedicine used (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring devices), the frequency of its use, and patient satisfaction with the technology.

The integration of mental health resources is equally important. COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate COPD symptoms and negatively impact patient quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals is a significant indicator of quality care. This includes assessing the availability of on-site therapists, the ease of referral to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening tools into routine COPD care.

A comprehensive analysis would also consider the availability of specialized COPD resources. This would include access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, respiratory therapists, and pulmonologists. The proximity of these resources and the ease of access for patients are vital considerations. Moreover, the presence of support groups or patient education programs specifically tailored to COPD patients should be evaluated.

Examining insurance coverage and its impact on access to care is also crucial. A significant proportion of the population in the Balsam Grove area may rely on Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. The acceptance of these insurance plans by local primary care practices and specialists directly impacts access to care. The analysis should identify practices that are accepting new patients with these insurance plans.

To further refine this analysis, data on patient outcomes should be considered. This includes examining hospitalization rates for COPD exacerbations, the frequency of emergency room visits, and patient satisfaction scores. Such data can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of COPD management within the area. However, accessing and analyzing such data can be challenging due to privacy regulations and data availability limitations.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD care landscape in ZIP Code 28708 requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of specialized COPD services. This analysis should be based on a combination of publicly available data, practice-specific information, and, where possible, patient feedback. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in this specific locale, which can inform strategies to improve access to care and enhance patient outcomes.

To visualize this complex data and gain a spatial understanding of healthcare resources in the Balsam Grove area, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 28708, providing a valuable tool for assessing access to care and identifying areas of need.