02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 64.71 percent of the residents in 02713 has some form of health insurance. 23.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.88 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 02713 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02713. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 593 health care providers accessible to residents in 02713, Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: ZIP Code 02713 and Primary Care in Cuttyhunk

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will focus on two distinct areas: assessing the landscape for COPD care within ZIP code 02713 (Fairhaven, Massachusetts) and evaluating primary care availability, a critical factor for COPD management, on the island of Cuttyhunk. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice strengths, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

**ZIP Code 02713: Fairhaven, Massachusetts - COPD Score Assessment**

Fairhaven, Massachusetts, presents a specific set of challenges and opportunities when considering COPD care. The demographic profile, including age distribution and prevalence of smoking history, significantly influences the potential burden of COPD within the community. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of COPD management. Regular check-ups, early diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring are essential for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.

Physician-to-patient ratios in 02713 are a crucial metric. While precise numbers fluctuate, a general assessment indicates a potential for moderate access to PCPs. This implies that while finding a PCP may not be overly difficult, the patient load for each physician could be substantial. This can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized attention, impacting the quality of COPD care. Further investigation into the specific number of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists serving the area is essential. These specialists are critical for diagnosis, treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Several practices in 02713 likely demonstrate strengths in COPD care. These could include practices affiliated with larger hospital systems, such as St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, which might offer more comprehensive resources. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient education, including smoking cessation programs and COPD self-management training, would score higher. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in COPD research or clinical trials could be considered standout performers, contributing to advancements in the field.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in enhancing COPD care. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices embracing telemedicine, particularly those offering remote pulmonary function testing or virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but they are critically important. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling services into their COPD management plans would be considered best practices. Collaboration with mental health professionals and access to support groups specifically for individuals with COPD would also significantly improve the overall COPD Score.

**Primary Care Availability in Cuttyhunk - COPD Score Assessment**

Cuttyhunk, being an island, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Primary care availability is significantly limited, if not non-existent on the island itself. This lack of immediate access to PCPs drastically impacts the COPD Score. Patients with COPD on Cuttyhunk are reliant on external resources for their care.

The physician-to-patient ratio on Cuttyhunk is essentially zero for on-island primary care. This means that residents must travel to the mainland for routine check-ups, specialist appointments, and emergency care. This travel can be time-consuming, expensive, and physically challenging, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Standout practices are difficult to identify on Cuttyhunk due to the lack of on-island primary care. The primary care providers in the surrounding areas, such as those in New Bedford or other nearby towns, become critical. The ability of these mainland practices to accommodate Cuttyhunk residents, including offering transportation assistance or prioritizing appointments, is essential.

Telemedicine becomes an incredibly important tool for bridging the healthcare gap on Cuttyhunk. Practices offering telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual respiratory therapy services would be crucial for providing ongoing COPD care. The reliability of internet connectivity on the island is a key factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are particularly vital for Cuttyhunk residents with COPD. The isolation inherent in island living can exacerbate the psychological impact of the disease. Access to mental health professionals through telemedicine or visiting services is essential. Support groups, even virtual ones, can provide a crucial sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

**Overall COPD Score and Conclusion**

The COPD Score for 02713 would likely be moderate, reflecting the potential for adequate access to PCPs, but with a need for improvement in areas like telemedicine integration and mental health support. The COPD Score for Cuttyhunk would be significantly lower, primarily due to the absence of on-island primary care. The island's residents are highly dependent on mainland resources and telemedicine for care.

Both areas would benefit from increased efforts to improve COPD care. This includes enhancing physician-to-patient ratios, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health services, and ensuring access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

For a more detailed and geographically informed understanding of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice details, and demographic data relevant to COPD prevalence, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare access and availability, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis and informed decision-making.