28713, Bryson City, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28713, Bryson City, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.67 percent of the residents in 28713 has some form of health insurance. 44.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.40 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 28713 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,943 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28713. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,750 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 926 health care providers accessible to residents in 28713, Bryson City, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Bryson City, NC (ZIP Code 28713)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of COPD-related care within Bryson City, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28713), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and their capacity to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evaluation incorporates factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in comprehensive COPD management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals living with or at risk of developing COPD in this specific geographical area.

Bryson City, nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, presents unique challenges for healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited access to specialized medical services and a potentially older demographic, increasing the prevalence of chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. The assessment begins by examining the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from state medical boards and national databases. However, based on general rural healthcare trends, it is likely that the physician-to-patient ratio in Bryson City is less favorable compared to urban areas. This could mean longer wait times for appointments, increased patient load for individual physicians, and potentially, a strain on the overall healthcare system.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices typically demonstrate excellence in COPD care through various means. This includes employing board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with a strong focus on respiratory medicine, offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, and actively participating in COPD education programs. Furthermore, standout practices often integrate a multidisciplinary approach, involving respiratory therapists, nurses specializing in respiratory care, and potentially, access to physical therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation. The presence of such practices significantly elevates the overall quality of care available to COPD patients in the area. Finding these practices requires thorough research, including reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and consulting with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing COPD care quality. Telemedicine offers several advantages in managing chronic respiratory conditions. It enables remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The level of telemedicine integration within Bryson City’s primary care practices and specialist offices needs evaluation. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and the integration of telehealth platforms into the existing healthcare workflow.

Mental health support is often overlooked in COPD management, but its importance cannot be overstated. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is a key indicator of comprehensive care. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in addressing the psychological challenges associated with chronic respiratory illnesses. Assessing the level of integration between primary care practices and mental health providers, as well as the accessibility of mental health services, is essential.

Analyzing the availability of resources for pulmonary rehabilitation is also a significant part of the evaluation. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with COPD by providing exercise training, education, and support. The presence of such programs within Bryson City or in nearby communities is a positive indicator of the quality of care. This includes assessing the availability of trained respiratory therapists and exercise specialists.

The analysis also considers the availability of COPD-specific education programs. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective COPD management. These programs empower patients to understand their condition, manage their symptoms, and make informed decisions about their care. Assessing the availability of these programs, either through primary care practices, hospitals, or community organizations, is a vital component of the overall COPD score.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the availability of support groups. Connecting with other individuals who have COPD can provide emotional support, share experiences, and reduce feelings of isolation. The presence of active support groups within Bryson City or the surrounding areas is a positive factor in the overall evaluation.

In conclusion, a comprehensive COPD score for Bryson City (ZIP Code 28713) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices with specialized expertise, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, examining the availability of mental health support, and analyzing the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, COPD education programs, and support groups. The final score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of COPD-related care available to residents of this rural community. This assessment is a starting point for understanding the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement.