42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.26 percent of the residents in 42764 has some form of health insurance. 75.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.55 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 42764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 754 health care providers accessible to residents in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 42764, specifically focusing on Mount Sherman, Kentucky, requires a nuanced approach. Our aim is to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to manage patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This assessment will incorporate factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for a comprehensive COPD care framework.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Mount Sherman, the ratio is likely to be higher than in more urban settings. This means fewer physicians are available to serve a larger population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for COPD patients. Furthermore, it can place a significant burden on existing physicians, potentially impacting the quality of care they can provide. Understanding the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 42764 is the first step in evaluating the system's capacity to handle the needs of COPD patients.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond the raw numbers. We need to assess the quality of care offered by existing PCPs. This includes evaluating their experience in managing COPD, their adherence to established clinical guidelines, and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellent outcomes, proactive patient education, and strong patient-physician communication deserve recognition. These practices often serve as models for others, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the community. Examining the availability of diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is also vital.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. In a rural area, telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to access care remotely. This is particularly beneficial for COPD patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management. The extent to which PCPs in Mount Sherman have embraced telemedicine technologies is a key indicator of their commitment to patient accessibility and their ability to provide ongoing care.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Ideally, these resources should be integrated into the primary care setting, allowing for seamless coordination of care. The presence of these resources, and their integration into the primary care system, is a crucial aspect of our assessment.

Assessing the quality of care also involves looking at the use of evidence-based practices. Do physicians routinely screen for COPD risk factors? Do they offer smoking cessation programs? Are they familiar with the latest treatment guidelines? The answers to these questions will provide valuable insight into the overall quality of care provided to COPD patients. Moreover, the implementation of patient education programs is vital. Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition, including self-management techniques and medication adherence, can significantly improve outcomes.

The evaluation process also necessitates a review of the infrastructure supporting healthcare delivery. This includes the availability of pharmacies, respiratory therapists, and home healthcare services. A well-coordinated network of support services is essential for managing COPD effectively. The proximity of these resources to patients in Mount Sherman is a crucial consideration.

Furthermore, the financial aspects of healthcare access must be considered. The affordability of care, including the acceptance of various insurance plans and the availability of financial assistance programs, can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The presence of a robust system for addressing financial barriers is a crucial element of a patient-centered approach.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 42764, specifically in Mount Sherman, requires a multi-faceted approach. It demands an understanding of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, the utilization of evidence-based practices, and the accessibility of support services. This comprehensive analysis provides a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape and identifies areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Mount Sherman and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources.