28902, Brasstown, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28902, Brasstown, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.22 percent of the residents in 28902 has some form of health insurance. 37.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.76 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 28902 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 254 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28902. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 179 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 727 health care providers accessible to residents in 28902, Brasstown, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Brasstown, NC (ZIP Code 28902)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Brasstown, North Carolina (ZIP code 28902) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effectively managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" perspective, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare accessibility and quality within this specific geographic area.

Brasstown, nestled in the western North Carolina mountains, presents unique challenges. Rural areas often face disparities in healthcare access compared to urban centers. The first critical factor is primary care availability. A limited number of primary care physicians in the area can significantly impact the ability of COPD patients to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and necessary referrals. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also a major consideration. Frequent follow-up appointments are essential for COPD patients, and the distance to specialists can be a significant barrier.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. In a region with a potentially older population, as is common in rural settings, the prevalence of COPD may be higher, further straining the available healthcare resources. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Brasstown requires data analysis, including information from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, it is likely that the ratio is less favorable than in more populated areas.

Standout practices, if any, within the 28902 ZIP code or the surrounding areas, would be those demonstrating excellence in COPD management. This includes practices that offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, readily accessible respiratory therapists, and robust patient education programs. These practices may also prioritize care coordination, ensuring seamless communication between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. Identifying such practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing quality metrics (if publicly available), and assessing the types of services offered.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely. This can be especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption in Brasstown involves evaluating the number of practices offering telehealth services, the types of services available via telehealth, and the patient experience with these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic illnesses like COPD, but they are vitally important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is therefore crucial. Assessing the availability of these resources involves identifying mental health providers in the area, evaluating the accessibility of their services, and understanding the integration of mental health care into the overall COPD management plan.

The "COPD Score" for Brasstown, therefore, is likely to be influenced by the challenges inherent in rural healthcare. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. A low score would indicate significant barriers to accessing quality COPD care, while a high score would suggest a more supportive healthcare environment. The precise score would require detailed data analysis, incorporating information from various sources.

The score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare infrastructure evolves. Improvements in primary care access, increased telemedicine adoption, and greater integration of mental health services would all contribute to an improved score. Conversely, a decline in the number of physicians, a lack of investment in telehealth infrastructure, or a reduction in mental health services would negatively impact the score.

Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the 28902 ZIP code is the first step toward improving COPD care. This analysis highlights the key areas that require attention, including increasing primary care availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

A deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and COPD prevalence can be achieved through the use of advanced mapping tools.