02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.32 percent of the residents in 02764 has some form of health insurance. 36.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.25 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 02764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 935 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 594 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,849 health care providers accessible to residents in 02764, North Dighton, Massachusetts.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02764 and Primary Care in North Dighton

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in North Dighton, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02764) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the landscape of healthcare providers, focusing on factors relevant to COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. While precise, real-time data on this ratio fluctuates, publicly available information from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine provides a baseline. The ratio is determined by dividing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code or serving the North Dighton community by the population. This calculation is critical because a lower ratio indicates greater potential challenges for patients in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, especially for those with chronic conditions like COPD. A high ratio, conversely, suggests better access.

Evaluating the quality of care requires looking beyond raw numbers. Identifying standout practices involves assessing their commitment to comprehensive COPD management. This includes evaluating the availability of pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and dedicated COPD education programs. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care. These practices are more likely to have established protocols for early diagnosis, aggressive treatment of exacerbations, and patient education on self-management techniques.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of COPD care. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. It allows for remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access to care, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance overall disease management. A thorough analysis should identify practices that offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the platforms used.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but 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 into their COPD care model are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes identifying practices that have psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) either on staff or readily available through referral networks. Furthermore, the availability of support groups and educational resources on managing the psychological aspects of COPD is a key indicator of a well-rounded care approach.

Specifically, for ZIP Code 02764, a comprehensive analysis would involve:

* **Data Collection:** Gathering the most recent data on the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, and other relevant healthcare providers practicing within the ZIP code or serving the North Dighton community. This also includes the population data for the area.
* **Practice Reviews:** Conducting a review of local practices, focusing on their websites, patient testimonials, and publicly available information to identify those with a strong focus on COPD care. This includes looking for accreditations, specialized programs, and the presence of respiratory therapists.
* **Telemedicine Assessment:** Determining which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services provided, and the platforms used.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the practices, including the presence of mental health professionals or referral networks.
* **Community Resource Mapping:** Identifying and mapping community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and local pharmacies specializing in respiratory medications.

The analysis would culminate in a COPD Score for each practice, reflecting its performance across the key indicators. This score would provide a comparative assessment of the quality and accessibility of COPD care within the specified geographic area. The score could be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above.

The final analysis would provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape, identify areas for improvement, and inform strategic planning for enhancing COPD care in North Dighton. The analysis should also consider the presence of hospitals or urgent care facilities that can provide immediate care for COPD exacerbations.

This analysis is not a static exercise. Healthcare delivery is constantly evolving, and regular updates are essential to maintain its relevance. Ongoing monitoring of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services is crucial. The analysis should also incorporate feedback from patients and healthcare providers to ensure that it reflects the real-world experiences of those affected by COPD.

For a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in North Dighton, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization.

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