40818, Coalgood, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 40818, Coalgood, Kentucky is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.85 percent of the residents in 40818 has some form of health insurance. 84.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 10.61 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 40818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 30 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 323 health care providers accessible to residents in 40818, Coalgood, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Coalgood, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40818)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within the Coalgood, Kentucky ZIP code of 40818 requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in determining a COPD Score reflecting the overall healthcare landscape. The following discussion provides a detailed assessment, acknowledging the limitations inherent in publicly available data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. In a rural area like Coalgood, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) is likely lower compared to urban centers. Determining the exact ratio requires data on the total population within the 40818 ZIP code and the number of actively practicing PCPs. Publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer preliminary estimates. However, these figures may not reflect the reality on the ground due to factors like physician specialization, retirement, and changes in practice affiliations. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD patients.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or PCPs with specialized training in respiratory medicine. Practices that actively participate in COPD-specific programs, such as those focused on pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and medication management, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals facilitates efficient communication, medication reconciliation, and remote monitoring, all critical for managing COPD. Reviews from patients and the overall reputation of the practice within the community provide additional insights. Unfortunately, pinpointing specific standout practices often requires in-depth research and may be limited by the availability of public information.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers COPD patients access to care without the need for long travel times, reducing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication refills through telemedicine platforms are highly advantageous. This can be particularly beneficial for managing exacerbations and providing ongoing support. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites and services offered by local practices, as well as any partnerships they may have with telehealth providers.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who can provide counseling and support. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans, or that have established referral pathways to mental health providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This assessment relies on examining the services offered by local practices and the availability of mental health providers within the community.

In the context of Coalgood, the COPD Score would likely be influenced by the challenges inherent in rural healthcare delivery. The physician-to-patient ratio might be lower, and access to specialized pulmonologists could be limited. Telemedicine adoption, while potentially beneficial, may be constrained by factors like internet access. The availability of mental health resources could also be a concern. However, the presence of dedicated practices, the implementation of COPD-specific programs, and the integration of mental health services would significantly improve the score.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Publicly available data may not provide a complete picture. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with practices opening, closing, and changing their service offerings. Therefore, a comprehensive COPD Score would require a more in-depth investigation, including direct communication with local healthcare providers and patient surveys.

However, based on the available information, the COPD Score for Coalgood, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40818) would likely be moderate. While challenges related to rural healthcare access exist, the presence of dedicated practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption could mitigate some of these issues. Further investigation is needed to obtain a more precise assessment.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Coalgood and other areas, consider exploring the potential of advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offer the capability to visualize healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital locations, and population demographics, providing a comprehensive view of access to care. Using CartoChrome maps, one could potentially overlay COPD prevalence data with physician density to identify areas with the greatest need for resources. This visualization can aid in identifying gaps in care and informing strategies to improve healthcare access.