02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.17 percent of the residents in 02542 has some form of health insurance. 3.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.46 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 02542 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 313 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02542. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 716 health care providers accessible to residents in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02542 & Primary Care in Buzzards Bay

Analyzing the quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 02542, encompassing Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a COPD Score ranking for the area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In Buzzards Bay, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases like COPD) directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates for 02542, can provide an initial assessment. However, this data alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The age and health profile of the population within Buzzards Bay, with its potentially significant elderly population, further influences the demand for respiratory care. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is crucial for COPD management.

Standout practices in Buzzards Bay would likely demonstrate several key characteristics. These include a commitment to evidence-based COPD management, incorporating guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Effective practices will utilize spirometry (a lung function test) for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. They would also offer comprehensive patient education on topics such as smoking cessation, proper inhaler technique, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Practices employing a multidisciplinary approach, involving nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially mental health professionals, often achieve superior outcomes. Patient reviews and testimonials, when available, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telehealth offers several advantages, including reduced travel time for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or residing in more remote areas. It also enables more frequent monitoring of patients' symptoms and medication adherence. Practices that have embraced telemedicine may offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs (using devices like pulse oximeters), and online educational resources. The availability of telemedicine, however, is not a guarantee of quality. The effectiveness of telehealth depends on factors such as the technology used, the training of healthcare providers in telehealth practices, and the patient's comfort and access to technology.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of COPD care. Living with COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices with integrated mental health services, either on-site or through referrals, are better equipped to address these challenges. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide valuable peer support and coping strategies. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is essential for holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health services requires examining local resources, including mental health clinics, therapists, and support groups.

To create a COPD Score ranking for doctors in 02542, a weighted scoring system would be necessary. Factors to consider include the physician-to-patient ratio (weighted based on the number of PCPs and pulmonologists per capita), the adoption of evidence-based practices (including spirometry use and adherence to GOLD guidelines), the availability of telemedicine services, and the integration of mental health resources. Patient satisfaction scores, if available, could also be incorporated. Each factor would be assigned a weight reflecting its relative importance in COPD care. The scores for each physician or practice would be aggregated to produce an overall COPD Score.

The COPD Score could then be used to rank doctors in 02542, providing a valuable tool for patients seeking care. This ranking would enable patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and identify practices that are best suited to meet their needs. It would also provide valuable feedback to healthcare providers, highlighting areas where they excel and areas where they could improve. The process of collecting and analyzing the data would be ongoing, allowing for continuous improvement in the quality of care.

The final COPD Score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in healthcare practices and the evolving needs of the patient population. The analysis would also need to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. For example, the availability of transportation, insurance coverage, and health literacy can significantly affect a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in Buzzards Bay (02542) requires a comprehensive analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A COPD Score ranking, based on a weighted scoring system, can provide valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Buzzards Bay and beyond? Explore the power of geospatial data with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and quality by visualizing the data discussed in this analysis. Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about how we can help you transform healthcare data into actionable insights.**