35186, Wilsonville, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 35186, Wilsonville, Alabama is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.30 percent of the residents in 35186 has some form of health insurance. 31.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.45 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 35186 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35186. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,032 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,790 health care providers accessible to residents in 35186, Wilsonville, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Wilsonville, AL (ZIP Code 35186)

Analyzing the availability of quality COPD care within Wilsonville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35186) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility, the prevalence of COPD in the area, the availability of specialized pulmonary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support for patients. We will then synthesize these factors into a "COPD Score" assessment, providing a general overview of the care landscape.

Wilsonville, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in securing a high COPD Score. The key hurdle is the limited number of healthcare providers, especially PCPs. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. However, the precise ratio for 35186 is difficult to ascertain without granular data. Publicly available sources might offer county-level data, which can be a proxy, but it won't reflect the hyper-local reality. The availability of PCPs is the initial gatekeeper for COPD diagnosis and management. Early detection is critical for slowing disease progression, and this is often initiated through a PCP visit.

The prevalence of COPD in Wilsonville is another essential factor. While specific local data is unlikely, we can infer based on national and state averages. COPD is more common in older adults and those with a history of smoking. Factors like air quality, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare also influence prevalence. If Wilsonville has a significant elderly population or a history of high smoking rates, the demand for COPD care will be higher. This demand must be met by a sufficient supply of healthcare providers.

Specialized pulmonary care is critical. Does Wilsonville have pulmonologists within the ZIP code or in nearby areas? Pulmonary specialists are essential for diagnosing COPD through spirometry and other tests, managing complex cases, and prescribing advanced therapies. Travel time to see a pulmonologist is a significant factor. Long distances can deter patients from seeking specialized care, leading to poorer outcomes. The presence of respiratory therapists, who provide breathing treatments and patient education, is also important.

Telemedicine has the potential to improve COPD care accessibility. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with PCPs or pulmonologists can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Telemedicine can facilitate medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education. The adoption rate of telemedicine by local practices is a key indicator of the COPD Score. Practices that embrace telehealth are likely to offer more accessible and convenient care.

Mental health is often overlooked in COPD management, but it is a crucial component. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing these issues. Integration of mental health services within primary care or pulmonary practices would significantly improve the COPD Score. This could involve on-site therapists or referrals to mental health providers.

Assessing standout practices in Wilsonville is difficult without specific data. However, we can consider factors that contribute to a high COPD Score. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and integrate telemedicine are likely to be more effective. Practices that have strong relationships with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists would also score higher. The quality of care is reflected in patient satisfaction surveys and clinical outcomes.

Based on the information available, generating a precise COPD Score for Wilsonville is challenging. The lack of readily available data on physician-to-patient ratios, specific practice characteristics, and telemedicine adoption limits the accuracy of the assessment. However, we can make some general observations. The small size of the community likely presents challenges in terms of access to specialized care and mental health resources. Telemedicine adoption could be a significant factor in improving the score. The presence of a well-established primary care network is essential.

The overall COPD Score for Wilsonville, AL (35186) is likely moderate. The presence of PCPs is the foundation, but the availability of specialized pulmonary care, mental health resources, and the adoption of telemedicine will significantly impact the score. The score could be improved by increasing the number of PCPs, recruiting pulmonologists, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health support. Further research into the specific characteristics of local practices and the needs of the patient population would be necessary to provide a more precise assessment.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilsonville and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide detailed geographic information, including the locations of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data points. This visualization tool can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies for improving COPD management in the community.