02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.11 percent of the residents in 02563 has some form of health insurance. 40.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.89 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 02563 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,499 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02563. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,843 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,009 health care providers accessible to residents in 02563, Sandwich, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02563 and Primary Care in Sandwich, MA

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the availability and quality of primary care services for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 02563, encompassing the town of Sandwich, Massachusetts. The goal is to evaluate the resources available to manage COPD, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health support. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas for improvement.

The foundation of this analysis rests on understanding the prevalence of COPD within the target population. While precise figures for Sandwich are difficult to obtain without specific patient data, the overall prevalence of COPD in Massachusetts is a crucial point of reference. Public health data, combined with demographic information for Sandwich, allows for an estimation of the number of individuals likely living with COPD within the ZIP code. This estimation is crucial for determining the adequacy of available primary care resources.

One of the most significant factors influencing the quality of COPD care is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per primary care physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, a less effective management of chronic conditions like COPD. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows physicians to dedicate more time to patient education, medication management, and monitoring of disease progression. Research into the number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 02563, combined with population data, is essential to calculate this critical metric.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate best practices in COPD management. This includes the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, proactive patient education programs, and a focus on patient self-management. These practices may also have specialized staff, such as respiratory therapists, who play a vital role in providing comprehensive care. Examining the credentials and specializations of physicians in the area, along with patient reviews and practice ratings, helps identify these leading providers.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key aspect of COPD care. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically remote areas. Telehealth visits can be used for medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within primary care practices in Sandwich involves investigating whether physicians offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, or other telehealth technologies.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Individuals with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive COPD care. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. Evaluating the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, as well as the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the Sandwich area, is a critical component of this analysis.

Further, the examination of insurance acceptance is important. The ability of practices to accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, ensures that care is accessible to a broader population, including those most vulnerable to COPD. This is particularly relevant in a community like Sandwich, where a significant proportion of the population may be eligible for these programs.

Another critical consideration is the accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help individuals with COPD improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Identifying the availability of these programs in or near Sandwich, and assessing their accessibility, is a key element of this assessment.

The physical accessibility of primary care practices is also important. Factors such as wheelchair accessibility, convenient parking, and proximity to public transportation can significantly impact patients' ability to access care. Evaluating the physical infrastructure of primary care practices in Sandwich is therefore essential.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is another key factor. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise, and culturally sensitive information about COPD, its management, and available support services can empower patients to actively participate in their own care. This includes providing information on topics such as medication adherence, inhaler technique, and smoking cessation.

The analysis also considers the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate information sharing between providers, and enhance the ability to monitor patient outcomes. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices in Sandwich utilize EHRs is a relevant aspect of this analysis.

Finally, the analysis considers the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, housing, and access to healthy food can significantly influence the health outcomes of individuals with COPD. Understanding the social and economic context of the Sandwich community helps to identify potential barriers to care and inform strategies to address health disparities.

In conclusion, the COPD score for primary care in Sandwich, MA (ZIP code 02563) is determined by a complex interplay of factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The overall score reflects the degree to which the healthcare system effectively supports individuals living with COPD in this community.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within Sandwich and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.