36861, Jacksons Gap, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 36861, Jacksons Gap, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 36861 has some form of health insurance. 42.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.61 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 36861 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 332 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36861. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 705 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 116 health care providers accessible to residents in 36861, Jacksons Gap, Alabama.

## COPD Score Analysis: Jacksons Gap, Alabama (ZIP Code 36861)

Analyzing the COPD landscape within Jacksons Gap, Alabama (ZIP Code 36861) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians, assessing the resources dedicated to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and understanding the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis will provide a COPD Score ranking, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of COPD management lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Jacksons Gap, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and poorer patient outcomes. Data on this ratio is critical. Publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into primary care shortages. Additionally, local hospital systems and community health centers should be assessed for their physician staffing levels.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This includes early diagnosis, aggressive treatment of exacerbations, and patient education. Practices that utilize spirometry testing, a key diagnostic tool for COPD, are essential. Furthermore, practices offering pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, should be highlighted. The presence of certified respiratory therapists within a practice is another indicator of quality care. Identifying these standout practices requires reviewing patient testimonials, researching practice websites, and potentially contacting local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals are more likely to provide convenient and efficient care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires reviewing practice websites, inquiring about telehealth options during phone calls, and researching any partnerships with telehealth providers.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care plans, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Investigating this aspect involves examining practice websites, inquiring about mental health support during phone calls, and researching local mental health providers.

The COPD Score for Jacksons Gap, Alabama (36861) is derived from the synthesis of these factors. The score is not simply a numerical value but a composite assessment of the healthcare environment. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, characterized by a higher physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score suggests areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialized care, and a lack of integrated mental health support.

Specific examples of practices within the 36861 ZIP code are difficult to provide without directly accessing protected health information. However, the analysis would include a review of all primary care practices and any pulmonology specialists serving the area. This involves gathering information on physician availability, services offered, and any affiliations with larger healthcare systems. Publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners can be used to verify physician licenses and specialties.

The analysis would also consider the presence of local hospitals and their capacity to handle COPD-related emergencies. The availability of emergency room services, critical care beds, and respiratory therapists are all crucial factors. The analysis would also consider the availability of specialized COPD services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation programs, and access to oxygen therapy.

To assess the impact of social determinants of health, the analysis would consider factors like poverty rates, access to transportation, and the prevalence of smoking in the community. These factors can significantly influence COPD outcomes. Areas with higher poverty rates and limited access to transportation may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare.

The final COPD Score would be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the key findings and highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The score would be accompanied by recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to telemedicine services, and integrating mental health support into COPD care plans.

The process of gathering and analyzing this information can be complex. This analysis requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, access to reliable data sources, and the ability to interpret and synthesize complex information. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment of the COPD environment in Jacksons Gap, Alabama (36861).

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Jacksons Gap, including the location of healthcare providers, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping.

**Visualize the healthcare landscape in Jacksons Gap and gain deeper insights into the availability of primary care and specialized services. Explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources in your area.**