Health Scores Near 31721, Albany, Georgia
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The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 31721, Albany, Georgia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 92.48 percent of the residents in 31721 has some form of health insurance. 37.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.04 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 31721 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 4,582 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31721. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,131 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,643 health care providers accessible to residents in 31721, Albany, Georgia.
Health Scores in 31721, Albany, Georgia
| COPD Score | 44 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 55 |
| Provider Score | 60 |
| Hospital Score | 19 |
| Travel Score | 50 |
| 31721 | Albany | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The analysis below provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians in ZIP code 31721 (Albany, Georgia), focusing on key aspects relevant to COPD patient care. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resource availability. This is a hypothetical analysis, and actual data would need to be gathered for a definitive score.
The COPD Score, for the purposes of this analysis, will be a composite metric reflecting the overall quality of care available to COPD patients in the specified area. It will be based on the following weighted factors: Access to Care (40%), Practice Quality (30%), Telemedicine Integration (15%), and Mental Health Support (15%). Each factor will be assessed based on available information and assigned a numerical value, with a higher score indicating better performance.
**Access to Care (40%)**
Primary care physician (PCP) availability is critical for COPD management. A high physician-to-patient ratio can hinder timely access to appointments, follow-up care, and essential preventative services. In Albany, Georgia (ZIP code 31721), the ratio needs to be examined. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area and the estimated population. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) would contribute positively to the Access to Care score.
Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by local practices is a crucial factor. Practices actively accepting new patients, especially those with COPD, will receive higher scores. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs, such as acute exacerbations, is another vital consideration. Practices offering extended hours or weekend availability will also be scored favorably.
**Practice Quality (30%)**
Practice quality encompasses several aspects, including the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) within the practice, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination. Practices that adhere to the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and management of COPD will receive higher scores.
The presence of on-site PFT capabilities streamlines diagnosis and monitoring. Practices that offer this service internally will score higher than those requiring patients to be referred to external facilities. The use of EHRs is essential for efficient care coordination, allowing physicians to easily access patient records, share information with specialists, and track patient progress. Practices with robust EHR systems will receive a higher Practice Quality score.
**Telemedicine Integration (15%)**
Telemedicine offers significant benefits for COPD patients, including remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive higher scores. This includes the availability of virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management.
The use of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and spirometers, can provide valuable data to physicians, enabling them to proactively manage patients' conditions and prevent exacerbations. Practices that integrate these technologies into their care plans will be scored favorably. The ease of use and accessibility of the telemedicine platform for patients is also a key consideration.
**Mental Health Support (15%)**
COPD can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is crucial for addressing these issues. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, will receive higher scores.
Alternatively, practices that have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community will also be scored favorably. The integration of mental health screening tools into routine patient assessments is another important consideration. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide appropriate referrals will receive higher scores.
**Standout Practices & Specifics in Albany**
Without specific data, it's impossible to name standout practices. However, a hypothetical example: "Albany Family Medicine" might receive a high score if it demonstrates a commitment to COPD care. This could include a low physician-to-patient ratio, a dedicated COPD care coordinator, on-site PFT, active telemedicine use for follow-up appointments, and readily available mental health referrals. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, no on-site PFT, and limited telemedicine adoption would likely receive a lower score.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
The physician-to-patient ratio in Albany, GA (31721) is a critical factor. If the ratio is unfavorable (too few PCPs per capita), access to care will be challenging, and the overall COPD Score will suffer. Data from the Georgia Department of Public Health or the HRSA would be necessary to determine the exact ratio.
**Telemedicine Adoption**
The level of telemedicine adoption is another key area for assessment. Are practices offering virtual visits? Do they utilize remote monitoring? The more integrated telemedicine is, the higher the score.
**Mental Health Resources**
The availability of mental health support is also assessed. Does the practice have on-site therapists? Are there established referral pathways? The more resources available, the better the score.
**Conclusion**
This hypothetical COPD Score analysis highlights the key factors influencing the quality of COPD care in Albany, Georgia (31721). A comprehensive assessment requires gathering specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. The final score would reflect the overall quality of care, with a higher score indicating better performance.
For a more detailed visual representation of the primary care landscape in Albany, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas of need, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can visualize and analyze healthcare data, offering valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
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