36860, Hurtsboro, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 36860, Hurtsboro, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.89 percent of the residents in 36860 has some form of health insurance. 50.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.54 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 36860 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 213 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36860. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 406 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 0 health care providers accessible to residents in 36860, Hurtsboro, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hurtsboro, Alabama (ZIP Code 36860)

This analysis provides an assessment of the availability of primary care physicians and related resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Hurtsboro, Alabama (ZIP Code 36860). The goal is to evaluate the landscape of care, focusing on factors crucial for COPD management, including physician accessibility, the integration of technology, and the availability of mental health support.

Hurtsboro, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas regarding healthcare access. These include a potentially limited number of physicians, geographical barriers to care, and resource constraints. Understanding these realities is essential for developing strategies to improve COPD care within the community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. In rural settings, the ratio of primary care physicians to the population often falls below the national average. This can result in longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less comprehensive approach to care. To determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Hurtsboro, specific data collection is needed. This requires identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and comparing that figure to the population of Hurtsboro. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Alabama Department of Public Health can be used to gather this information.

Standout practices are those demonstrating a commitment to providing exceptional COPD care. Identifying these practices requires an assessment of several factors. First, the practice's experience and expertise in managing COPD patients is important. This can be assessed by reviewing physician credentials, their involvement in COPD-related continuing medical education, and the practice’s use of established COPD guidelines. Second, the practice’s utilization of technology is a key factor. This includes the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data management, and the use of telehealth platforms for remote consultations and patient monitoring. Third, the practice’s patient satisfaction and outcomes are important. This can be evaluated through patient surveys, feedback, and an analysis of clinical outcomes, such as hospital readmission rates.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and expanding access to specialists. In the context of COPD, telemedicine can be used for virtual consultations, medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and remote monitoring of vital signs. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Hurtsboro should be assessed. This involves determining the number of practices offering telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the patient population utilizing these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but they are essential for overall well-being. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services within Hurtsboro is a critical factor in evaluating the quality of COPD care. This includes identifying the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the ease of access to these services. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also essential to ensure comprehensive care.

Specific examples of practices in Hurtsboro that excel in COPD management would be beneficial. However, without direct data collection, it is difficult to identify these practices. A survey of local healthcare providers, patient feedback, and a review of publicly available information would be necessary to identify practices that have demonstrated a commitment to providing quality COPD care. This assessment should consider factors such as the practice's use of evidence-based guidelines, its adoption of technology, its patient satisfaction scores, and its integration of mental health services.

To conduct a thorough analysis of COPD care in Hurtsboro, a comprehensive data collection process is required. This process should involve:

* **Physician Surveys:** Surveys of primary care physicians in the ZIP code to gather information about their practices, their experience in managing COPD, their use of technology, and their collaboration with other healthcare providers.
* **Patient Surveys:** Surveys of COPD patients in the community to gather information about their experiences with healthcare, their satisfaction with their care, and their access to resources.
* **Data Collection:** Gathering data from public sources, such as the HRSA and the Alabama Department of Public Health, to determine the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of healthcare resources.
* **Practice Audits:** A review of the practices of primary care physicians to assess their use of evidence-based guidelines, their adoption of technology, and their integration of mental health services.

The findings of this analysis can inform the development of strategies to improve COPD care in Hurtsboro. These strategies may include:

* **Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians:** Addressing the physician shortage in the community.
* **Expanding telemedicine services:** Increasing access to care through remote consultations and monitoring.
* **Improving mental health services:** Ensuring access to mental health support for COPD patients.
* **Promoting collaboration:** Encouraging collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health providers.
* **Patient education:** Educating patients about COPD management and self-care strategies.

Improving COPD care in Hurtsboro requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, patients, community organizations, and policymakers. By addressing the challenges of healthcare access and resource limitations, the community can improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD.

This analysis highlights the importance of understanding the healthcare landscape in Hurtsboro, Alabama, for individuals managing COPD. The physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of technology, and the availability of mental health resources are all critical factors. A comprehensive data collection process is necessary to provide a more detailed assessment of the resources available and to identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hurtsboro, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive visualization of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.