36579, Stockton, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 36579, Stockton, Alabama is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.37 percent of the residents in 36579 has some form of health insurance. 48.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.81 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 36579 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 204 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36579. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 263 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 health care providers accessible to residents in 36579, Stockton, Alabama.

The analysis of COPD care within ZIP Code 36579, Stockton, Alabama, demands a multifaceted approach. We'll evaluate the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, focusing on primary care availability and the resources accessible to those managing this chronic respiratory illness. This assessment goes beyond simple rankings, delving into the specific characteristics of the medical landscape in this community.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial initial indicator. A low ratio, reflecting fewer doctors relative to the population, can strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. In Stockton, understanding the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists serving the area is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can provide a starting point. However, this raw data needs further refinement.

Simply counting doctors isn't enough. The age and experience of the physicians are also important. Experienced physicians may have a deeper understanding of COPD management. This is a factor that is often overlooked but can significantly impact patient outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of support staff, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical assistants, directly influences the level of care a patient receives.

Beyond physician numbers, the operational efficiency of healthcare practices is a key consideration. Are appointments readily available? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their COPD effectively, especially during exacerbations.

Identifying standout practices within 36579 requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating several factors. Are these practices affiliated with larger hospital systems? Affiliations can provide access to specialized resources and a wider network of specialists. Do these practices have a strong focus on patient education? COPD management requires patients to be active participants in their care, and education is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the COPD Score analysis. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital patient education, can improve access to care, particularly for patients who face mobility challenges or live in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs), is crucial.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but their importance cannot be overstated. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis needs to assess the proximity of mental health providers and the degree to which primary care practices screen for mental health issues.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another important factor. These programs provide patients with education, exercise, and support to improve their lung function and overall quality of life. Assessing the presence of these programs in the area, their accessibility, and their utilization rates is essential.

Medication adherence is a significant challenge for COPD patients. Practices that offer medication management services, such as medication reconciliation and patient education about their medications, are better positioned to help patients manage their condition. The analysis should assess the availability of these services and their effectiveness.

The presence of specialized COPD clinics or centers of excellence can significantly impact the quality of care. These facilities often have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses, who are dedicated to providing comprehensive COPD care. The analysis needs to identify and evaluate any such specialized facilities in or near 36579.

The COPD Score analysis should also consider the patient experience. This includes factors such as patient satisfaction with their care, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Patient feedback, gathered through surveys or reviews, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

The analysis must consider the role of community resources. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to transportation. These resources can provide patients with the support and information they need to manage their COPD effectively.

In Stockton, the analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact COPD care. These factors include income, education, and access to healthcare. Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face greater challenges in accessing care and managing their condition.

To summarize, the COPD Score analysis for 36579 needs to consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the experience of physicians, the availability of support staff, the operational efficiency of healthcare practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, medication management services, the presence of specialized COPD clinics, the patient experience, the role of community resources, and socioeconomic factors.

This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed picture of COPD care in Stockton, Alabama. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Are you interested in visualizing this data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 36579? CartoChrome maps can help you explore the data visually, identifying patterns and trends that might be missed in a text-based analysis. Visit CartoChrome maps today to get a better understanding of the healthcare resources available in Stockton.