28734, Franklin, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.85 percent of the residents in 28734 has some form of health insurance. 46.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.08 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 28734 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,804 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28734. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,688 health care providers accessible to residents in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Franklin, NC (ZIP Code 28734)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians and resources available within ZIP Code 28734, encompassing Franklin, North Carolina. The evaluation considers factors crucial for COPD management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to understand the landscape of care and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of a strong COPD care system rests on accessible primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. Publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau, reveals the population of Franklin and surrounding areas within 28734. Combining this data with information from the North Carolina Medical Board and insurance provider directories allows for an estimation of the number of practicing primary care physicians accepting new patients. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, while not the sole indicator, often suggests greater ease of access to care. A low ratio, conversely, can indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing management.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of individual practices play a significant role. We must investigate the types of primary care practices prevalent in the area. Are there large, multi-specialty groups? Are there smaller, independent practices? Do practices have specific expertise in pulmonary medicine or chronic disease management? Practices with dedicated respiratory therapists, pulmonary function testing capabilities, and established COPD management protocols would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care, including urgent care clinics and on-call physicians, directly impacts the ability of patients to manage exacerbations and receive timely intervention.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in COPD management, especially in rural areas like Franklin. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care practices is a key factor in our COPD score. This includes the availability of virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and patient education. Practices that utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or spirometers, to track patient symptoms and intervene proactively would score higher. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.

The significant link between COPD and mental health necessitates a thorough examination of available resources. COPD patients frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals is crucial. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups specializing in chronic respiratory illnesses. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and integrate mental health services into their COPD management plans would receive a higher score. The presence of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, also contributes to a more comprehensive care model.

Analyzing the data, we can begin to formulate a COPD score. We will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized COPD management protocols within primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in effective COPD care. The aggregation of these weighted values will yield a final COPD score, providing a comparative assessment of the quality and accessibility of care within ZIP Code 28734.

The evaluation process requires a deep dive into publicly available data, healthcare provider directories, and potentially direct communication with primary care practices. This will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the care landscape. Gathering information on the specific services offered by each practice, their staffing levels, and their integration of technology is essential. Furthermore, evaluating the accessibility of mental health services, including the availability of therapists and support groups, is critical.

The final COPD score will not only reflect the current state of care but also highlight areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, it may indicate a need for initiatives to attract more primary care physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, it may suggest opportunities for training and investment in technology. If mental health resources are scarce, it may point to the need for increased collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers.

The analysis will also consider the availability of educational resources for patients. Practices that provide patients with educational materials on COPD management, including information on medications, inhaler techniques, and lifestyle modifications, will score higher. This includes the availability of educational programs, support groups, and online resources. Patient education is crucial for empowering individuals to actively manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

The analysis will also consider the level of integration of care. Practices that collaborate with specialists, such as pulmonologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists, will score higher. This includes the use of electronic health records to facilitate communication and care coordination. The presence of a multidisciplinary care team is crucial for providing comprehensive COPD management.

The COPD score is a dynamic metric. It should be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the arrival of new physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of new resources. Regular updates will ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for patients and healthcare providers.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of COPD care in Franklin, NC. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of care. The final score will be a valuable tool for improving the lives of individuals living with COPD in Franklin.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Franklin, NC, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually depict physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability within ZIP Code 28734, providing a valuable tool for understanding the local healthcare landscape.