40906, Barbourville, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 40906, Barbourville, Kentucky is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.21 percent of the residents in 40906 has some form of health insurance. 67.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.48 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 40906 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40906. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,946 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 608 health care providers accessible to residents in 40906, Barbourville, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Barbourville, KY (ZIP Code 40906)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Barbourville, Kentucky (ZIP code 40906) requires a multifaceted approach. We must assess the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Furthermore, the integration of telemedicine and the accessibility of mental health resources are crucial elements in providing comprehensive care to COPD patients. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score, a qualitative assessment, reflecting the current state of healthcare within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of COPD management rests on strong primary care. In Barbourville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. While precise, real-time figures fluctuate, the overall trend suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses of COPD. The impact is amplified for individuals with limited mobility or transportation challenges, common among COPD sufferers. This scarcity also impacts the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, who are often accessed through primary care referrals.

Within Barbourville, several primary care practices stand out. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to chronic disease management, including COPD. They may implement standardized protocols for COPD screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another positive indicator, enabling better data tracking and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing hospital readmissions for COPD patients, are particularly commendable. These practices are often more proactive in patient education and self-management support, crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely via technology, offers a significant advantage in rural areas like Barbourville. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and ongoing monitoring for COPD patients. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs (like oxygen saturation levels), and medication management support. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Barbourville is a critical factor in our COPD Score. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, will score higher. The availability of reliable internet access for patients is also an important consideration, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of the disease, breathing difficulties, and limitations on daily activities. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore essential for comprehensive COPD care. The availability of mental health services in Barbourville, and the integration of these services within primary care practices, directly impacts the COPD Score. Practices that screen for mental health issues and offer or facilitate referrals to mental health professionals demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care.

The overall COPD Score for Barbourville (ZIP code 40906) is likely to be moderate. The potential physician shortage, while not definitively quantified, poses a challenge. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices, the growing adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources can improve the score. The score is dynamic and will change based on the evolution of healthcare resources in the area.

The COPD Score is not a static number but a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to meet the needs of COPD patients. It is influenced by factors such as physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The score is a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

The integration of mental health services is particularly important. COPD patients often experience anxiety and depression, which can worsen their physical symptoms and overall quality of life. Access to mental health professionals, either through direct referral or integrated services within primary care practices, is essential for comprehensive care.

The adoption of telemedicine can also improve the COPD Score. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, which is particularly helpful for those who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. Telemedicine can also be used to monitor patients' vital signs and provide medication management support.

The availability of support groups and educational resources can also improve the COPD Score. Support groups provide patients with a sense of community and allow them to share their experiences. Educational resources can help patients learn about their disease and how to manage it.

The COPD Score is a useful tool for assessing the quality of COPD care in a particular area. By considering factors such as physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and the availability of support groups and educational resources, we can gain a better understanding of the healthcare system's ability to meet the needs of COPD patients.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Barbourville, including the precise locations of primary care practices, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health resources, we recommend exploring interactive mapping tools.

**Call to Action:**

Explore the healthcare landscape of Barbourville and visualize the data discussed in this analysis. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of physician locations, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources within ZIP code 40906.