28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.59 percent of the residents in 28775 has some form of health insurance. 68.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.94 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 28775 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28775. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 198 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,056 health care providers accessible to residents in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28775 and Primary Care in Scaly Mountain

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, especially for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within the confines of ZIP Code 28775 (which encompasses Scaly Mountain, North Carolina) requires a nuanced approach. This analysis, a ‘COPD Score’ evaluation, considers several critical factors influencing access to care and the overall quality of support for COPD patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The first critical element to assess is physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the potential workload each physician faces. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. In a rural area like Scaly Mountain, this ratio is likely to be a significant challenge. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 28775 is crucial. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with demographic information from the U.S. Census Bureau, can help calculate this ratio. A low ratio could translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions for COPD patients.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of primary care practices present in the area must be considered. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger, multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often have the resources to offer a broader range of services, including on-site pulmonary function testing, which is essential for COPD diagnosis and management. Solo practices, while potentially offering more personalized care, might have limited resources and staffing. Identifying the specific practices and their service offerings is paramount to understanding the local healthcare ecosystem.

Within the existing practices, a ‘COPD Score’ would need to evaluate the availability of specialized COPD care. This goes beyond simply seeing a primary care physician. Are there pulmonologists or respiratory therapists available within a reasonable driving distance? Do the primary care physicians have experience and training in managing COPD? Do they regularly participate in continuing medical education related to COPD management? This element is crucial because COPD management requires a multi-faceted approach, including medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and patient education.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural area, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. Does the primary care practice offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication management? Are they equipped to monitor patients remotely, using tools like pulse oximeters and spirometers? Telemedicine can significantly reduce the burden on patients, especially those with mobility issues or who live far from the clinic. A practice with robust telemedicine capabilities would score higher on the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Does the primary care practice have access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals? Are there support groups or counseling services available locally? Addressing the mental health needs of COPD patients is crucial for their overall well-being and adherence to treatment plans. A practice that integrates mental health support would receive a higher score.

Standout practices, if any, would be identified based on their performance across these key metrics. A practice excelling in physician-to-patient ratio, offering specialized COPD care, embracing telemedicine, and providing mental health resources would be considered a high-performing practice. Conversely, practices with limited resources or a lack of focus on COPD management would score lower. This assessment requires a detailed review of each practice, including their website, patient reviews, and direct communication with the staff.

The ‘COPD Score’ also needs to consider the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support for COPD patients. Are there any pulmonary rehabilitation programs within a reasonable driving distance of Scaly Mountain? If not, this represents a significant gap in care. The presence and accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation programs would significantly impact the overall score.

Furthermore, the score should evaluate the practice’s patient education efforts. Does the practice provide patients with educational materials about COPD, including information on medication, lifestyle modifications, and breathing techniques? Do they offer smoking cessation programs? Patient education is crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that prioritize patient education would be rated more favorably.

Finally, the ‘COPD Score’ should consider the practice’s willingness to collaborate with other healthcare providers. Do they have established referral networks with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists? Do they participate in care coordination programs? Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare providers are essential for delivering comprehensive COPD care. Practices that actively engage in care coordination would score higher.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28775 for COPD patients requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice types, specialized COPD care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, pulmonary rehabilitation availability, patient education efforts, and care coordination practices. The ‘COPD Score’ provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement. The findings can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the availability and quality of care for individuals managing COPD in Scaly Mountain.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice types, and proximity to resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare access challenges and opportunities in ZIP Code 28775.