02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 02717 has some form of health insurance. 33.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.11 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 02717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 926 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 02717, East Freetown, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: East Freetown (02717) Primary Care

This analysis assesses the primary care landscape in East Freetown, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02717), focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a COPD Score perspective for residents.

East Freetown, a primarily residential area, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the quality of care for COPD patients, who require regular monitoring and management. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 02717 is often difficult to obtain with precision, but publicly available resources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates based on surrounding areas and county-level data. These estimates are crucial for understanding potential access limitations.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the characteristics of local practices significantly impact COPD care. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including pulmonary function testing (spirometry), smoking cessation programs, and readily available respiratory therapists, are highly desirable. Practices that are part of larger healthcare systems, such as those affiliated with hospitals in nearby cities like Fall River or New Bedford, often have access to more specialized resources and expertise, which can benefit COPD patients. The presence of certified COPD educators within a practice is also a strong indicator of quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD patients, especially those with mobility limitations or residing in areas with limited access to in-person appointments. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management via telehealth can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video consultations and remote monitoring tools, are likely to provide superior care for COPD patients. The sophistication of the telehealth platform – its ease of use, integration with electronic health records, and patient support – is also crucial.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, yet they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or readily available referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of COPD patients. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also beneficial, providing patients with a sense of community and shared experience.

Identifying standout practices within 02717 requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. While a comprehensive practice-by-practice analysis is beyond the scope of this overview, some general indicators can be used. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient education, as evidenced by readily available educational materials and a proactive approach to patient engagement, are often a good sign. Practices with positive patient reviews, particularly those mentioning COPD-specific care, are also worth investigating. Finally, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management are likely to provide superior care.

The overall COPD Score for primary care in East Freetown is likely to be moderate. The area's relative proximity to larger cities with more extensive healthcare resources provides some advantages, but the potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio and the challenges of rural healthcare access may limit the overall score. The degree to which local practices have embraced telemedicine and integrated mental health services will be a crucial factor in determining the final score.

To improve the COPD Score, several recommendations can be made. Increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area would be beneficial. Encouraging local practices to adopt telemedicine and integrate mental health services would also improve patient care. Furthermore, promoting patient education and awareness about COPD management strategies is essential. Collaboration between primary care practices, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals can create a more integrated and effective care system.

For a more detailed and data-driven assessment of the primary care landscape in East Freetown, including specific practice characteristics, physician profiles, and telemedicine capabilities, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping and data visualization tools that can help you explore the healthcare resources in your area, identify potential gaps in care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.