41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 41189 has some form of health insurance. 52.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.58 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 41189 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 391 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41189. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 268 health care providers accessible to residents in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Tollesboro, KY (ZIP Code 41189) – A Deep Dive

Tollesboro, Kentucky, nestled within the 41189 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge for healthcare providers, particularly concerning the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources, focusing on factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support.

The foundation of COPD care hinges on accessible primary care. In Tollesboro, the geographical isolation and potential socioeconomic factors contribute to a complex healthcare landscape. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure should be consulted to ascertain the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 41189 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. This data, combined with census information, provides a baseline understanding of the patient-to-physician ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care providers, would significantly impact COPD management, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, infrequent follow-up appointments, and poorer patient outcomes.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of primary care practices available are critical. Are there family medicine practices, internal medicine specialists, or both? Ideally, a mix of providers offers patients a broader range of expertise. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists in the immediate vicinity is also a crucial factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to specialized pulmonary care for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management is essential for patients with moderate to severe COPD.

The quality of care extends beyond the specialization of the physicians. The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Tollesboro. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with breathing difficulties. Furthermore, telemedicine can facilitate virtual monitoring of patients' conditions, enabling proactive intervention and reducing the risk of exacerbations. The analysis should investigate which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine services, including the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs) and the ease of access for patients.

Another crucial aspect of COPD management is the integration of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals is critical. The analysis should assess whether primary care physicians in Tollesboro have access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers, who can provide support to patients struggling with the psychological effects of COPD.

Examining standout practices is important. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD care through specific initiatives, such as dedicated COPD clinics, patient education programs, or participation in clinical trials, can highlight best practices. These practices often serve as models for other providers in the area. The analysis should search for practices that actively engage in patient education, offering resources on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. It should also evaluate the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are proven to improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life for COPD patients.

The analysis must also address the potential challenges faced by patients in Tollesboro. Factors such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and lack of insurance coverage can all impact access to care. The analysis should consider these factors and assess the availability of resources to assist patients in overcoming these barriers. This might include information on financial assistance programs, transportation services, and community support groups.

The assessment of primary care availability in Tollesboro must also consider the presence of ancillary services. Access to diagnostic tools such as spirometry and chest X-rays is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of COPD. The analysis should investigate the availability of these services within primary care practices or at nearby facilities. Furthermore, access to respiratory therapists, who can provide education and support on breathing techniques and the use of respiratory devices, is also crucial.

The analysis should also incorporate data on hospital readmission rates for COPD patients in the area. High readmission rates may indicate inadequate disease management or a lack of access to appropriate care. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and to assess the effectiveness of interventions.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD score for Tollesboro, Kentucky, requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, specialist access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of ancillary services. By thoroughly analyzing these factors, a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in the 41189 ZIP code can be established. This information is critical for identifying areas for improvement and for developing strategies to enhance the quality of care for COPD patients in the community.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Tollesboro, Kentucky, and to explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you visualize physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, providing a valuable tool for understanding and improving healthcare access in the region.