41135, Emerson, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 41135, Emerson, Kentucky is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.14 percent of the residents in 41135 has some form of health insurance. 37.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.30 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 41135 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41135. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,070 health care providers accessible to residents in 41135, Emerson, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Emerson, KY (ZIP Code 41135)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians and resources within Emerson, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41135), focusing on factors crucial for managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals living with or at risk of COPD.

The prevalence of COPD, a progressive lung disease, necessitates a robust and accessible healthcare infrastructure. Emerson, a rural community, faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive care. Key factors influencing the COPD Score include the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized pulmonary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, given the frequent co-occurrence of anxiety and depression with COPD.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In rural areas, a shortage of primary care physicians can significantly impede timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of COPD. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for Emerson requires accessing current data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau. However, the general trend in rural Kentucky suggests a potential shortage, which would negatively impact the COPD Score. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less effective management of the disease.

Evaluating primary care availability requires assessing the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code, their specialties, and their acceptance of new patients. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or practices with dedicated respiratory therapists would positively influence the score. Conversely, a lack of specialists or limited access to primary care physicians would significantly lower the score. The analysis must consider the capacity of existing practices to handle the specific needs of COPD patients, including spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and access to oxygen therapy.

Standout practices within the area are those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in COPD care. This includes practices with dedicated respiratory therapists, offering comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and actively participating in COPD-related research or community outreach. These practices would likely score higher due to their proactive approach to patient care and their investment in specialized resources. Identifying these practices requires reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and assessing the practice's website for information about their COPD management protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers limit access to care. Practices utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can bridge the distance, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel and improving adherence to treatment plans. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those tracking oxygen saturation or heart rate, would further enhance the telemedicine score.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of COPD care. The chronic nature of the disease, combined with its physical limitations, often leads to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, would score higher. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources addressing the psychological impact of COPD is essential for improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The COPD Score analysis for Emerson, KY (41135) is a dynamic assessment that requires continuous updates to reflect changes in the local healthcare landscape. Factors such as physician retirements, new practice openings, and the implementation of new technologies can significantly impact the score. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors within the community, such as poverty levels and access to transportation, as these can affect a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment.

Conducting a thorough analysis involves gathering data from various sources, including the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, the US Census Bureau, local hospitals, and physician practices. It requires a comprehensive review of practice websites, patient testimonials, and online reviews. The final COPD Score should reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care within the community, considering the specific needs of the patient population.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Emerson, KY (41135) is likely to be influenced by the rural nature of the community. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are all critical factors. A low score would highlight the need for increased investment in healthcare resources, including physician recruitment, telemedicine infrastructure, and mental health support. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible healthcare system, better equipped to manage the challenges of COPD.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Emerson, KY (41135), including the location of physician practices, hospitals, and pharmacies, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive and detailed representation of geographic data, enabling users to visualize healthcare resources and assess their accessibility. Explore the power of spatial data visualization and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.