02359, Pembroke, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02359, Pembroke, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.92 percent of the residents in 02359 has some form of health insurance. 23.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.12 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 02359 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,204 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02359. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,937 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,390 health care providers accessible to residents in 02359, Pembroke, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: Pembroke, MA (ZIP Code 02359)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Pembroke, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02359), focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care. We'll examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a "COPD Score" perspective on the community's healthcare readiness.

Pembroke, a suburban town located in Plymouth County, presents a unique healthcare environment. Its demographics, including an aging population, suggest a potentially higher prevalence of COPD. Understanding the accessibility and quality of care for this condition is crucial for residents.

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

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible primary care. In Pembroke, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. While specific physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, a general assessment is possible. Analyzing the number of PCPs practicing within the 02359 ZIP code, or within a reasonable commuting distance, is the first step. This includes internal medicine physicians, family medicine practitioners, and geriatricians.

A favorable ratio would indicate a sufficient number of PCPs to meet the community's needs. Conversely, a low ratio, signifying a shortage of PCPs, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses of COPD. Further, it's vital to consider the acceptance of new patients by these practices. Practices that are consistently closed to new patients could exacerbate the issue.

The analysis must also consider the specialization of PCPs. Are there pulmonologists within the immediate area? While PCPs are the initial point of contact, timely access to specialists is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of COPD.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the presence of board-certified physicians are important indicators. Practices that emphasize patient education, offer comprehensive COPD management plans, and demonstrate a commitment to preventative care are highly desirable.

Furthermore, assessing the availability of diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, within these practices is essential. Spirometry is a key test for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Practices that can perform this test in-house provide greater convenience and potentially faster access to results for patients.

The integration of evidence-based guidelines into clinical practice is another critical factor. Practices that adhere to established COPD treatment protocols, as recommended by organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), are more likely to deliver high-quality care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Its adoption in Pembroke's healthcare landscape is a significant factor in our COPD Score analysis. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals enhance accessibility and convenience.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with COPD, allowing for regular check-ins, medication adjustments, and symptom management without the need for frequent in-person visits. It can also reduce the burden of travel, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in more remote areas of the town.

The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation or pulmonary function, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in COPD management. These devices allow healthcare providers to closely monitor patients' conditions and intervene promptly if necessary.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are crucial for comprehensive COPD care. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients.

The coordination of care between PCPs, pulmonologists, and mental health providers is also essential. Integrated care models, where healthcare professionals collaborate to provide comprehensive and coordinated services, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The presence of support groups and educational programs for COPD patients and their families is another positive indicator. These resources provide patients with valuable information, emotional support, and a sense of community.

**Creating a COPD Score Perspective:**

Based on these factors, a "COPD Score" perspective can be developed for Pembroke. This score would reflect the overall healthcare readiness of the community to manage COPD effectively. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

A higher score would indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for COPD patients, with greater access to care, higher-quality services, and a more holistic approach to treatment. A lower score would suggest areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, enhancing telemedicine capabilities, and strengthening the integration of mental health resources.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in Pembroke, MA, presents a complex picture regarding COPD care. While specific data requires further research, the analysis highlights critical factors that influence the quality and accessibility of care. Improving physician-to-patient ratios, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health resources are key areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pembroke, including the locations of healthcare providers, access to specialists, and other relevant data, explore the power of spatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.**