28717, Cashiers, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28717, Cashiers, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.67 percent of the residents in 28717 has some form of health insurance. 38.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.54 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 28717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 428 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 938 health care providers accessible to residents in 28717, Cashiers, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care available to residents of Cashiers, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28717), specifically evaluating the performance of primary care physicians in the area. This 'COPD Score' analysis considers various factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of this rural community.

The initial assessment involves determining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is critical because it directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and local county health departments will be examined to calculate the physician-to-population ratio for primary care physicians within the 28717 ZIP code. This will involve identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians (including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice) and comparing it to the total population of Cashiers. The resulting ratio will then be compared to national and state averages to determine if the community faces a shortage or has adequate access to primary care.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves reviewing online patient reviews from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, analyzing patient satisfaction surveys, and assessing the availability of specialized services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management will be prioritized. Key indicators of quality include: the use of standardized COPD assessment tools (like the COPD Assessment Test or CAT score), the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols (following guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease – GOLD), and the provision of patient education on topics such as medication adherence, inhaler technique, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including smoking cessation programs and access to respiratory therapists, will receive higher scores. The presence of accredited pulmonary rehabilitation programs within the practice or in close proximity is a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The analysis will investigate which primary care practices in Cashiers offer telemedicine consultations for COPD patients. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments for routine follow-ups, medication management, and symptom monitoring. Practices that utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or peak flow meters, to track patient health metrics will be viewed favorably. The ease of access to telemedicine services, including the availability of technical support and the integration of telemedicine platforms with electronic health records, will be evaluated. Telemedicine's impact on reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes will be considered.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is the availability of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or in the community. This includes evaluating whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and screen patients for depression and anxiety. The integration of mental health services into COPD care, such as the availability of support groups or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically tailored for COPD patients, will be given significant weight. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is crucial for holistic patient care.

The 'COPD Score' will be calculated based on a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will be weighted based on their contribution to improving the quality of COPD management. Each factor will be assigned a numerical score, and the overall score will reflect the quality of COPD care available in Cashiers. This score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the current state of COPD care and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis will also consider the unique challenges faced by a rural community like Cashiers. These include limited access to specialized services, transportation difficulties, and the potential for social isolation. The analysis will evaluate how primary care practices are addressing these challenges. This may include offering home visits, partnering with local organizations to provide transportation assistance, and utilizing community resources to promote social engagement. The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, such as age and socioeconomic status, as these factors can influence health outcomes.

The final 'COPD Score' will be presented as a comprehensive assessment of the quality of COPD care available in Cashiers. The report will identify strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare landscape. It will highlight standout practices that are demonstrating excellence in COPD management and identify areas where improvements are needed. The analysis will serve as a valuable resource for patients, physicians, and healthcare administrators in the region. It will provide actionable insights to improve access to care, enhance the quality of COPD management, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of residents of Cashiers.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Cashiers and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points. This will allow you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the area.