40828, Evarts, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.07 percent of the residents in 40828 has some form of health insurance. 72.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.45 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 40828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,199 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 764 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 345 health care providers accessible to residents in 40828, Evarts, Kentucky.

Analyzing COPD care within the confines of a single ZIP code and a small town presents a unique challenge. The available data, especially regarding physician-to-patient ratios and specific practice details, is often limited at this granular level. However, we can use available resources to build an informed analysis of COPD care accessibility and quality in Evarts, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40828), focusing on primary care availability and its implications for COPD management.

The first critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), might offer county-level physician data. In this case, we are looking at Harlan County. This data, however, needs to be interpreted cautiously. A county-level ratio provides a broad overview, not specific to Evarts. A high ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing care, especially for chronic conditions like COPD, which require regular monitoring and management. Conversely, a low ratio, while seemingly positive, might mask other issues like limited specialist availability or long wait times.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of COPD management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing COPD symptoms. They are responsible for diagnosis, initial treatment, and ongoing management. The presence of a robust primary care network in Evarts is, therefore, paramount. This includes not only the number of PCPs but also their capacity to accept new patients, their expertise in COPD management, and their integration with other healthcare services.

Identifying standout practices is difficult without direct knowledge of the local healthcare landscape. However, we can infer some characteristics of quality care. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists are likely to provide better COPD care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to national guidelines for COPD management are also indicators of high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, especially in rural areas like Evarts. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel burdens and wait times. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and virtual consultations with specialists. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly enhance the convenience and effectiveness of COPD care.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is therefore essential for comprehensive COPD care. The availability of these resources, either within the primary care setting or through external referrals, is a critical component of a well-rounded COPD management plan.

Assessing the overall COPD score for doctors in ZIP Code 40828 requires considering all these factors. The score is not a simple number but a composite assessment reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of COPD care. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a starting point, indicating the potential availability of care. The presence of a strong primary care network, including the number of PCPs, their capacity to accept new patients, and their expertise in COPD management, is a critical factor.

The adoption of telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care. The availability of mental health resources, including counseling and support groups, is also essential for comprehensive COPD care. All these factors are weighed to determine the overall COPD score.

In Evarts, the COPD score would likely be influenced by the challenges inherent in rural healthcare. The physician-to-patient ratio might be less favorable than in urban areas. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, could be limited, requiring patients to travel for specialized care. However, if the local primary care practices are well-equipped to manage COPD, offer telemedicine options, and integrate mental health services, the overall score could be improved.

The quality of care also depends on the individual practices. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and have established referral pathways to pulmonologists are likely to provide better COPD care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to national guidelines for COPD management are also indicators of high-quality care.

The availability of mental health resources is also a critical factor. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is therefore essential for comprehensive COPD care. The availability of these resources, either within the primary care setting or through external referrals, is a critical component of a well-rounded COPD management plan.

In conclusion, evaluating COPD care in Evarts (40828) is a complex undertaking. The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment of several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource access all play a role. The quality of individual practices, their commitment to patient education, and their adherence to national guidelines are also crucial. The overall COPD score reflects the challenges and opportunities in providing comprehensive care for COPD patients in this rural setting.

To visualize and analyze these factors spatially, and to gain a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Evarts and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows you to visualize data, identify trends, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.