01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.56 percent of the residents in 01913 has some form of health insurance. 29.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.34 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 01913 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,462 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01913. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,582 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,026 health care providers accessible to residents in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: Amesbury, MA (ZIP Code 01913)

Analyzing the landscape of COPD care within Amesbury, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01913) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, their specific expertise in managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive COPD care strategy. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Amesbury.

A crucial starting point is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, a general understanding of the primary care physician density in Amesbury is essential. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and potentially more personalized care. Conversely, a lower ratio might necessitate longer wait times and potentially limit patient choice. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates, allowing for a preliminary assessment of accessibility. Further investigation involves understanding the age demographics of the population within 01913, as an aging population generally has a higher prevalence of COPD.

Beyond raw numbers, the specific expertise of the primary care physicians is paramount. Not all primary care physicians possess the same level of experience or specialization in COPD management. Researching the credentials of the physicians practicing in Amesbury, including board certifications in internal medicine or family medicine, is important. Additionally, identifying physicians who have pursued further training or continuing medical education specifically focused on respiratory diseases is beneficial. This can be achieved by reviewing physician profiles on healthcare websites, consulting with local hospitals, and potentially speaking with patient advocacy groups.

Identifying standout practices in Amesbury is also crucial. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in COPD care often exhibit specific characteristics. These may include the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). The use of spirometry testing, a critical diagnostic tool for COPD, should be readily available. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on medication adherence, lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation), and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are likely to deliver superior care. Patient testimonials and online reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience within these practices.

The adoption of telemedicine is another important factor in the COPD Score analysis. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telehealth services among primary care practices in Amesbury is vital. This includes determining whether physicians offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs (e.g., oxygen saturation levels), and access to online patient portals for communication and medication refills. The availability of telehealth can be particularly helpful in managing COPD exacerbations and preventing hospitalizations.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD Score analysis must evaluate the integration of mental health services within the primary care practices of Amesbury. This includes assessing whether physicians screen patients for mental health issues, provide referrals to mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists), and collaborate with mental health providers to coordinate care. The availability of support groups and educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of COPD is also important.

Specific examples of practices in Amesbury, if available through publicly accessible information, would enhance the analysis. For instance, a practice that actively participates in clinical trials related to COPD treatments would score higher. Similarly, a practice that has implemented a comprehensive smoking cessation program would be viewed favorably. Conversely, a practice with limited access to spirometry testing or a lack of mental health integration would negatively impact the COPD Score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of ancillary services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs and respiratory therapists. Pulmonary rehabilitation, a structured program of exercise, education, and support, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. The presence of these resources within Amesbury or nearby communities contributes to a more robust COPD care ecosystem. The ease of access to these services is also a factor.

The overall COPD Score for Amesbury, MA (01913) will be a composite of all the factors discussed. It will reflect the strength of the primary care infrastructure, the expertise of the physicians, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with better access to comprehensive and coordinated care. The score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Amesbury, including the locations of primary care physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geographic overview of healthcare resources, helping you to visualize the accessibility of care and identify potential gaps in services.