35748, Gurley, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 35748, Gurley, Alabama is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 35748 has some form of health insurance. 32.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.81 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 35748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,735 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,577 health care providers accessible to residents in 35748, Gurley, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Gurley, AL (ZIP Code 35748) – Primary Care & COPD Management

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care availability and COPD management within the Gurley, Alabama, ZIP code of 35748. We will assess the resources available to patients, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'COPD Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

Gurley, a small town nestled in Madison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The prevalence of COPD, a chronic respiratory disease, necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure capable of early diagnosis, effective management, and ongoing patient support. This analysis considers the specific needs of COPD patients, factoring in the importance of readily accessible care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for COPD patients. Data analysis, sourced from publicly available resources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, is essential to accurately determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within 35748. This data point directly impacts the 'COPD Score' by reflecting the ease with which patients can access primary care services.

Identifying standout practices is another critical component of the analysis. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to excellence in COPD management, potentially through specialized training for physicians, the use of advanced diagnostic tools, or the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in COPD-focused initiatives, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or smoking cessation support groups, would significantly contribute to a higher 'COPD Score'. The evaluation of these practices involves examining their clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction surveys, and their engagement with the broader community.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows patients to receive remote consultations, monitor their symptoms, and access educational resources without having to travel to a clinic. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The 'COPD Score' is positively influenced by the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within the primary care practices in 35748. Assessing the level of telemedicine integration involves reviewing the practices' websites, contacting them directly to inquire about their telemedicine offerings, and analyzing patient feedback regarding their experiences with these services.

The integration of mental health resources is a vital, often overlooked, aspect of COPD management. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness and the impact on their quality of life. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric support, will receive a higher 'COPD Score'. This assessment involves evaluating the practices' referral networks, their internal mental health resources, and their efforts to address the psychological needs of their patients.

Specific practices within 35748 require individual assessment. The analysis should identify the primary care providers operating within the ZIP code, including their affiliations (e.g., hospitals, networks). Each practice is then evaluated based on the criteria outlined above: physician-to-patient ratio, COPD-specific expertise, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. This granular approach provides a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each practice.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to consider the availability of specialized pulmonary care within a reasonable radius of Gurley. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense in COPD management, access to pulmonologists for more complex cases or advanced treatments is essential. The 'COPD Score' will reflect the proximity and accessibility of these specialists.

The overall 'COPD Score' for Gurley (35748) is a composite measure reflecting the cumulative assessment of all these factors. A higher score indicates a more robust and patient-centered healthcare environment for COPD management. This score serves as a valuable tool for both patients seeking care and healthcare providers striving to improve their services.

The limitations of this analysis must also be acknowledged. The data available may be incomplete or outdated, and the assessment relies on publicly available information and direct inquiries. However, the goal is to provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of the healthcare landscape in Gurley, AL, focusing on COPD management.

In conclusion, the 'COPD Score' for Gurley, AL (35748) reflects the overall quality and accessibility of primary care services, with specific attention to COPD management. By analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the integration of mental health resources, this analysis provides a valuable perspective on the healthcare landscape in the community. The final score, along with the supporting data, can be used to inform patients, providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Gurley.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gurley, including the location of primary care practices, the availability of specialized services, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in Gurley and beyond.