36916, Pennington, Alabama COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 36916, Pennington, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.68 percent of the residents in 36916 has some form of health insurance. 55.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.68 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 36916 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36916. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 27 health care providers accessible to residents in 36916, Pennington, Alabama.

**COPD Score Analysis: Pennington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36916)**

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and related resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within Pennington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36916) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a COPD Score assessment. The unique challenges presented by a rural community such as Pennington, including potential limitations in access to specialists and advanced treatments, will be taken into account.

Pennington, located in Choctaw County, is a small community. This immediately influences the landscape of healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be less favorable than in more urban areas. This means that the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) available to serve the population is probably lower, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased patient burdens. The ability to secure timely appointments is crucial for COPD patients, who require regular check-ups and monitoring.

The identification of standout practices within the ZIP code is a key factor. Are there clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate a particular focus on respiratory health or COPD management? This could be indicated by specialized training, the utilization of advanced diagnostic tools, or the implementation of patient education programs. Examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and the specific services offered by each practice will be essential to discern the quality of care. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) within a practice would be a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the challenges of rural healthcare access. Its adoption within Pennington’s primary care practices is a critical consideration. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve the convenience and accessibility of care for COPD patients, reducing the need for frequent travel to distant medical facilities. The quality of the technology and the training of staff in its use are also crucial.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health support plays a crucial role in COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as counseling services, support groups, and access to psychiatrists, is a significant factor in a COPD Score assessment. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or the ease of referral to external mental health providers, is a key indicator of a comprehensive approach to patient care.

The COPD Score will be a composite measure reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within ZIP Code 36916. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and specialization of local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be relative, comparing Pennington's healthcare landscape to benchmarks established for other rural communities. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD patients, characterized by greater access to care, a higher quality of services, and a more holistic approach to patient well-being.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or the Alabama Department of Public Health. This data will provide an estimate of the number of PCPs available in the ZIP code and the population they serve. This information is crucial for understanding the baseline access to care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves researching local clinics and individual physicians. Online directories like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can be helpful. Reviewing patient testimonials and assessing the specific services offered by each practice will be critical. Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFTs)? Do they have a dedicated COPD management program? These are key indicators of specialization and quality.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves contacting local practices directly or reviewing their websites. Do they offer virtual consultations? Do they use remote monitoring devices? The availability of these technologies can significantly impact the accessibility of care.

Assessing mental health resources involves researching the availability of mental health providers in the area and whether primary care practices have established referral pathways. The presence of support groups or educational programs focused on COPD and mental health would be a significant advantage.

Considering the limited resources and rural setting of Pennington, the COPD Score for ZIP Code 36916 is likely to be moderate. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be less favorable than in urban areas. The availability of specialized COPD services may be limited. However, the presence of even a single practice demonstrating a commitment to COPD management, coupled with the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, could significantly improve the score.

The COPD Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. Improving the score requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. This could involve recruiting more PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and increasing access to mental health services.

The success of COPD management in Pennington depends on the availability of information. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pennington, consider exploring interactive maps and detailed data visualizations.

**Call to Action:**

For a more visual and data-rich understanding of healthcare access and COPD resources in Pennington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36916), and other areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to explore physician locations, healthcare facility details, and demographic data, giving you a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.