28909, Warne, North Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 28909, Warne, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.63 percent of the residents in 28909 has some form of health insurance. 53.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.45 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 28909 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 72 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28909. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 154 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 727 health care providers accessible to residents in 28909, Warne, North Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28909 and Primary Care Availability in Warne

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 28909 (likely covering the area around Murphy, North Carolina) and the nearby community of Warne. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources – all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals living with COPD.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and responsive primary care. This includes regular check-ups, medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and early intervention strategies to prevent exacerbations. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care quality. In rural areas like those surrounding Murphy and Warne, this can be a significant challenge. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information on physician distribution, will be used to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio generally translates to better access.

Analyzing the physician landscape requires identifying standout practices. These are clinics or individual practitioners demonstrating excellence in COPD care. This can be determined through several factors: the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient satisfaction surveys, the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing, and active participation in COPD-focused continuing medical education. Practices that actively participate in regional or national COPD initiatives, such as the COPD Foundation’s COPD Patient-Centered Medical Home program, are particularly noteworthy. We will look for practices that have invested in specialized equipment and trained staff to manage COPD effectively.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. In rural areas, telemedicine offers a vital bridge to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management reviews, and remote monitoring of vital signs. The presence of practices offering telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing, remote patient monitoring devices), and the range of services provided, will be assessed. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions are common among COPD patients, exacerbating their physical symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and therapists who specialize in treating individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses. We will investigate the presence of mental health providers within the primary care practices themselves, as well as the availability of referrals to external mental health services. Integration of mental health care into primary care is a best practice for COPD management.

The assessment of primary care availability in Warne, NC, will be conducted with similar considerations. Warne, being a smaller community, may have a more limited selection of primary care providers. The analysis will focus on identifying the nearest primary care clinics and their capacity to serve the Warne population. Transportation options to access these clinics will also be considered, as this can significantly impact access to care. The availability of public transportation or patient transportation assistance programs will be examined.

Furthermore, the presence of community resources that support COPD patients will be assessed. This includes pulmonary rehabilitation programs, support groups, and educational resources. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are essential for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life. Support groups provide a valuable opportunity for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges and share experiences. The availability of these resources can significantly enhance the quality of care for COPD patients.

A comprehensive COPD Score will be developed based on these factors. The score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services for COPD patients within the target area. The score will be based on a weighted average of the following factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The weighting of each factor will reflect its relative importance in providing high-quality COPD care.

The analysis will also consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to transportation can all negatively impact health outcomes. These factors will be considered in the context of the target area, and the analysis will identify any disparities in access to care.

The final COPD Score will provide a valuable tool for assessing the state of COPD care in the target area. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness and identify opportunities for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to improve the quality of care for COPD patients.

This analysis will use publicly available data, including information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and other relevant sources. Data privacy and confidentiality will be maintained throughout the analysis. The goal is to provide an objective and comprehensive assessment of COPD care in the target area.

To gain a visual understanding of the physician distribution, practice locations, and the availability of key resources, we recommend exploring the power of geographic data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and insightful representation of the data, allowing you to pinpoint the location of primary care practices, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources. **Explore the interactive possibilities – visit CartoChrome maps today and see the data come to life.**