42217, Crofton, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 42217, Crofton, Kentucky is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.31 percent of the residents in 42217 has some form of health insurance. 44.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.80 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 42217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 812 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42217. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 684 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 807 health care providers accessible to residents in 42217, Crofton, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Crofton, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42217)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care resources in Crofton, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42217), focusing on their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A comprehensive ‘COPD Score’ is constructed, considering factors critical for effective COPD care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

Crofton, a small community, likely presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area may influence the availability of specialists, the adoption of technology, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. The analysis will consider these factors to arrive at a realistic and actionable assessment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental component of the COPD Score is the physician-to-patient ratio within the 42217 ZIP code. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure are crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a higher concentration of physicians per resident, generally translates to better access to care. Conversely, a high ratio could suggest longer wait times for appointments and potentially strained resources.

The analysis will meticulously calculate this ratio, considering both primary care physicians (PCPs) and, where available, pulmonologists or specialists with expertise in respiratory diseases. The availability of PCPs is particularly critical, as they are often the first point of contact for COPD patients and play a vital role in diagnosis, management, and referral.

The geographical distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are they clustered in one area, or are they more evenly dispersed, ensuring access for residents across the community? This spatial analysis contributes to the overall COPD Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout primary care practices in Crofton is another crucial element. This involves evaluating several factors: the experience and qualifications of the physicians, the range of services offered, and the overall patient experience.

Key indicators of quality COPD care include:

* **COPD-Specific Protocols:** Does the practice have established protocols for COPD diagnosis, management, and exacerbation treatment, aligned with national guidelines?
* **Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Capabilities:** Does the practice offer in-house PFT or have readily available access to these tests?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide comprehensive patient education on COPD, including disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation)?
* **Care Coordination:** Does the practice actively coordinate care with specialists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** What is the practice's patient satisfaction rating?

The analysis will seek publicly available information, such as practice websites, online reviews, and information from healthcare directories, to assess these characteristics.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving COPD care, particularly in rural areas like Crofton. It can enhance access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring of patients, and provide convenient follow-up appointments.

The COPD Score will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in the area. Key considerations include:

* **Telemedicine Platforms:** What telemedicine platforms are used by the practices?
* **Services Offered:** Are virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management available through telemedicine?
* **Patient Access:** How easy is it for patients to access and use telemedicine services?
* **Integration with Existing Systems:** How well is telemedicine integrated with the practice's electronic health records (EHR) system?

The analysis will investigate the availability of these telemedicine features and their impact on patient access and care.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

COPD can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care.

The COPD Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services in the Crofton area, including:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, or counselors available in the community or nearby?
* **Integration with Primary Care:** Does the primary care practice have established referral pathways to mental health services?
* **Support Groups:** Are there COPD-specific support groups or other community resources available?
* **Medication Management:** Does the practice have access to medication management for mental health conditions?

The analysis will assess the accessibility and integration of mental health resources to ensure that COPD patients receive holistic care.

**Overall COPD Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the evaluation of these factors, a comprehensive COPD Score will be assigned to the primary care landscape in Crofton, Kentucky (42217). This score will provide a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in managing COPD.

The final COPD Score will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, while the availability of support groups might have a lower weight.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the findings, highlighting areas where the healthcare system excels and areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to improve COPD care in Crofton.

**Actionable Insights with CartoChrome Maps:**

For a more detailed and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Crofton, Kentucky, and to explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a dynamic view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of various healthcare services. This tool allows for a deeper dive into the data and provides a powerful way to visualize the information presented in this analysis.

**Click here to explore the potential of CartoChrome maps for a more comprehensive view of healthcare access in Crofton, Kentucky (42217).**