39455, Lumberton, Mississippi COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 39455, Lumberton, Mississippi is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.51 percent of the residents in 39455 has some form of health insurance. 43.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.24 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 39455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,227 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39455. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,500 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 39455, Lumberton, Mississippi.

**COPD Score Analysis: Lumberton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39455)**

Lumberton, Mississippi, a community nestled in the piney woods, faces unique healthcare challenges. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care, specifically concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within the 39455 ZIP code. We will evaluate the physician landscape, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive COPD Score assessment.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Lumberton, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for COPD patients. Data on physician density, including the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas, is essential. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), offer valuable data on physician shortages and primary care access. An analysis of this data will help determine the current ratio and identify potential gaps in care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices’ commitment to COPD management. Do these practices have established protocols for COPD screening, diagnosis, and treatment? Are they utilizing evidence-based guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)? Evaluating the practices’ adherence to these guidelines, through methods like chart reviews and patient surveys (with proper ethical considerations), is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) within the practice or readily accessible referrals to specialists.

Identifying standout practices is key. These are the clinics that demonstrate a strong commitment to COPD care. They might have dedicated COPD clinics, specialized nurses, or respiratory therapists on staff. They may actively participate in patient education programs and offer support groups. Furthermore, these practices likely have robust systems for medication management, including medication reconciliation and patient education on proper inhaler technique. Identifying these practices will help pinpoint best practices that can be replicated across the community.

Telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to enhance COPD care in Lumberton. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be especially challenging for individuals with breathing difficulties. Examining the adoption rate of telemedicine among Lumberton’s PCPs is essential. Are they offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals? Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas.

Mental health is inextricably linked to COPD. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its debilitating symptoms, often leads to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of COPD care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Are Lumberton’s PCPs screening patients for mental health issues? Are they equipped to refer patients to appropriate mental health services? The integration of mental health care into the overall COPD management plan is vital for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The assessment of COPD Score also involves the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are designed to improve lung function and overall well-being. Are these programs available in Lumberton or nearby communities? The availability of respiratory therapists and other specialized healthcare professionals is also crucial.

To arrive at a comprehensive COPD Score, we would need to collect and analyze data across all the aforementioned areas. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to COPD guidelines, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resource availability, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation. Each of these factors would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in COPD management. The final score would be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in Lumberton.

The analysis would also consider the socio-economic factors that impact health outcomes. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to healthy food can all exacerbate the effects of COPD. Understanding these social determinants of health is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving the overall health of the community.

Furthermore, the analysis should include a review of community resources. Are there local support groups for COPD patients? Are there educational programs available to help patients manage their condition? Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential for creating a supportive environment for COPD patients.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score in Lumberton, Mississippi, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating the physician landscape, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to ancillary services. It also necessitates considering the socio-economic factors that impact health outcomes and the availability of community resources. This comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the 39455 ZIP code.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visualization of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in COPD care within Lumberton.