42782, Summersville, Kentucky COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 42782, Summersville, Kentucky is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.28 percent of the residents in 42782 has some form of health insurance. 59.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.80 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 42782 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 136 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42782. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 155 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 309 health care providers accessible to residents in 42782, Summersville, Kentucky.

**COPD Score Analysis: Summersville, KY (ZIP Code 42782)**

Summersville, Kentucky, nestled within the 42782 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery, particularly regarding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for COPD patients requires a multi-faceted approach, examining physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support. This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for the area, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The core of COPD care revolves around primary care physicians (PCPs). Their availability directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and preventative care. In Summersville, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. National averages suggest a benchmark for adequate access. However, rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. The specific ratio in 42782 must be examined. This involves identifying the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area and comparing it to the total population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in accessing appointments and receiving consistent care.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are critical. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have specialized training or experience in managing COPD? Furthermore, the presence of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is essential. Their availability for consultation and referral is a key indicator of the quality of COPD care available. Identifying the existence of these specialists and assessing their patient load is a key component of the score.

Standout practices within the Summersville area can significantly improve the overall COPD Score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, incorporating best practices in COPD management. This includes offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFT) services, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of COPD. Practices that integrate patient education programs, providing resources and support to help patients manage their condition, are also highly valued. These programs can include smoking cessation counseling, breathing exercises, and medication management guidance. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices is crucial for the overall assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling or live in remote areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve the accessibility of care. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or heart rate, can provide valuable data to physicians, allowing for proactive intervention and improved patient outcomes. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within the primary care practices in Summersville is vital.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, is essential for addressing these issues. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer referrals to mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The presence of these resources significantly elevates the COPD Score.

Further, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and the interoperability of these systems are important. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between healthcare providers, allowing for seamless sharing of patient information and improved care coordination. Practices that utilize EHRs and have systems in place to share information with specialists and hospitals are better positioned to provide coordinated care. The level of EHR adoption and interoperability within the Summersville practices is a factor.

The overall COPD Score for Summersville, KY, is a composite metric, considering all the factors mentioned above. It reflects the availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of their practices, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the level of EHR integration. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare system for COPD patients. A lower score suggests areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health support.

The analysis should also consider the availability of respiratory therapists, who play a vital role in COPD management. They provide education on breathing techniques, medication administration, and the use of respiratory equipment. Their presence within the local healthcare system is a key component of quality care.

Finally, assessing the availability of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, can further enhance the COPD Score. These resources provide patients with valuable support and information, empowering them to manage their condition effectively.

In conclusion, evaluating the COPD Score for Summersville, KY (42782) is a complex process that involves a detailed assessment of the local healthcare landscape. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, mental health resources, and community support, a comprehensive picture of the quality and accessibility of COPD care can be developed. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identifying areas for improvement.

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