35974, Geraldine, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 35974, Geraldine, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.82 percent of the residents in 35974 has some form of health insurance. 31.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.61 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 35974 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 465 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35974. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 259 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,880 health care providers accessible to residents in 35974, Geraldine, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Geraldine, AL (ZIP Code 35974)

This analysis delves into the availability of primary care and related resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Geraldine, Alabama (ZIP Code 35974). The focus is on evaluating the landscape for individuals living with or at risk of COPD, considering physician accessibility, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services. We'll examine the existing healthcare infrastructure, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the context of COPD care.

The cornerstone of effective COPD management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In Geraldine, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent per patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Assessing the precise ratio requires data on the number of active PCPs within the ZIP code and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide this information, but often requires aggregation and analysis.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of practices available significantly impact care quality. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger, multi-specialty groups? Larger groups often have the advantage of offering a broader range of services, including on-site diagnostic testing (e.g., pulmonary function tests), respiratory therapy, and access to specialists. Solo practices, while potentially offering a more personalized approach, might lack the same level of resources. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists within a reasonable driving distance is also a crucial consideration. COPD often requires specialized care, and easy access to pulmonologists can improve patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area to assess. In the context of COPD, telemedicine can offer significant benefits. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual check-ups, and medication management support can improve adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services, including the types of platforms used (e.g., secure video conferencing, remote monitoring devices), is a crucial element in determining the quality of COPD care. Researching which practices in Geraldine utilize telemedicine and the specific services they offer is essential.

Mental health is frequently overlooked in COPD management, yet it plays a critical role. COPD can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as counselors, therapists, and psychiatrists, is therefore crucial. This includes assessing whether primary care practices have integrated behavioral health services, offer referrals to mental health professionals, or collaborate with mental health providers in the community. Furthermore, the availability of support groups, either in-person or online, can provide valuable peer support and coping strategies for individuals living with COPD.

To identify standout practices within Geraldine, a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics is needed. This involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the availability of patient education materials, the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, and the practice’s commitment to patient-centered care. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offer comprehensive care plans, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement are likely to provide superior care.

Specific practices in the area would need to be identified and their websites and other public information reviewed. This would include looking for information on their staff, services offered, insurance accepted, and patient reviews. This research would help to identify practices that are particularly well-equipped to manage COPD.

Another important consideration is the availability of resources to support patients outside of the doctor's office. This includes access to pharmacies that carry necessary medications, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The presence of these resources within the community can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The overall COPD score for Geraldine, AL (ZIP Code 35974) is dependent on the factors discussed above. A comprehensive analysis would involve gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of supporting services. This data would then be used to assign a score based on a predetermined set of criteria.

A high score would indicate a strong healthcare infrastructure for COPD management, with readily accessible primary care physicians, a high level of telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and access to supporting resources. A low score would indicate significant challenges, such as a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, a lack of mental health resources, and a scarcity of supporting services.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare landscape when assessing the quality of COPD care. It highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach that considers not only physician availability but also the integration of supportive services and the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Geraldine, AL, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and the availability of supporting services, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.