42328, Centertown, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.17 percent of the residents in 42328 has some form of health insurance. 51.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.54 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 42328 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42328. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 216 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,440 health care providers accessible to residents in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky.

## COPD Score Analysis: Centertown, KY (ZIP Code 42328)

This analysis provides a COPD Score ranking for physicians within ZIP Code 42328 (Centertown, Kentucky) and assesses the availability of primary care resources, focusing on factors relevant to effective COPD management. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Centertown, a rural community, likely faces unique challenges in delivering healthcare. The COPD Score, in this context, reflects the ability of the local healthcare ecosystem to support individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. A high score suggests a robust system, while a lower score indicates areas needing improvement. The methodology relies on publicly available data, including Medicare provider directories, state licensing boards, and information on telehealth services. Actual patient outcomes, of course, require more granular data, which is beyond the scope of this analysis.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

One of the initial hurdles in assessing COPD care in Centertown is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural areas often experience a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs), which can significantly impact access to care. A low PCP density means longer wait times for appointments, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD. This scarcity also affects the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, who are essential for managing advanced COPD cases.

The analysis considers the total population of Centertown (42328) and the number of actively practicing PCPs and pulmonologists listed within the ZIP code. This information is compared to national and state averages to determine if the area is experiencing a shortage. The presence of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), who can provide primary care services, is also factored into the assessment. Their inclusion can help mitigate the impact of a low physician count.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices within Centertown requires evaluating several factors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management often implement specific protocols and offer specialized services. These include:

* **Early Diagnosis and Screening:** Practices actively screening for COPD, particularly among high-risk populations (smokers, individuals with a family history), are considered favorably.
* **Comprehensive Treatment Plans:** The existence of personalized treatment plans, including medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation support, is crucial.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that prioritize patient education about COPD, its management, and lifestyle modifications are highly valued.
* **Coordination of Care:** Effective coordination with specialists, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, is essential for optimal care.
* **Performance Metrics:** Practices that track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to COPD management, such as exacerbation rates and hospital readmissions, demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement.

The analysis seeks to identify practices that meet these criteria. This involves reviewing practice websites, examining online reviews (with a focus on patient experiences), and consulting with healthcare professionals familiar with the area. The identification of standout practices contributes significantly to the overall COPD Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for improving access to care, especially in rural areas. Its adoption by Centertown practices is a key consideration. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Patients can receive consultations with PCPs and specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Patients with COPD can be monitored remotely using wearable devices and other technologies, allowing for early detection of exacerbations.
* **Medication Management:** Telemedicine can be used to manage medications and provide refills.
* **Education and Support:** Telemedicine platforms can deliver educational materials and support groups for patients.

The analysis assesses the extent to which Centertown practices have adopted telemedicine. This involves examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and reviewing information from telehealth directories. Practices that have embraced telemedicine receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to improving patient access and convenience.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact quality of life. The availability of mental health resources is, therefore, an essential component of comprehensive COPD care.

The analysis examines the availability of mental health services in Centertown. This includes:

* **Access to Mental Health Professionals:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the area.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Whether primary care practices integrate mental health screening and treatment into their COPD care.
* **Support Groups:** The availability of COPD-specific support groups or general support groups for individuals with chronic illnesses.
* **Referral Pathways:** The existence of clear referral pathways between primary care practices and mental health providers.

Practices and the healthcare system that demonstrate a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of COPD patients receive a higher score. This reflects the importance of a holistic approach to patient care.

**Overall COPD Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a COPD Score is assigned to the healthcare ecosystem in Centertown (42328). The score provides a snapshot of the area's ability to support individuals managing COPD. The score is not a definitive measure of the quality of care, but rather an indicator of the resources available and the system's capacity to provide comprehensive COPD management.

The final score reflects a comprehensive assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The results provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Centertown and can be used to identify areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

For a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Centertown and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, practices, and available resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.