29506, Florence, South Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 29506, Florence, South Carolina is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.81 percent of the residents in 29506 has some form of health insurance. 46.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.97 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 29506 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,354 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29506. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,955 health care providers accessible to residents in 29506, Florence, South Carolina.

**COPD Score Analysis: Florence, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29506)**

This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources in Florence, South Carolina, specifically within the 29506 ZIP code, with a focus on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD care.

Florence, like many areas, faces challenges in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise, real-time figures fluctuate, publicly available data suggests that the ratio in this area may be less favorable than in more urbanized regions. This means that the number of patients per primary care physician could be higher, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. This is especially concerning for COPD patients, who require regular monitoring and management.

The quality of primary care in Florence is also influenced by the presence of standout practices. These practices often distinguish themselves through their commitment to patient-centered care, their adoption of innovative technologies, and their proactive approach to disease management. Identifying these practices is crucial for COPD patients seeking optimal care. A practice excelling in COPD management would likely have a dedicated team of nurses and respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary function testing on-site, and participate in patient education programs.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption within the 29506 ZIP code is significant. Telemedicine allows physicians to remotely monitor patients' conditions, adjust medications, and provide support. This is especially beneficial for COPD patients, who may experience exacerbations that require immediate attention. The availability of telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and improve overall quality of life.

Mental health resources are another crucial aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, including therapy and counseling, is essential for comprehensive COPD management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or readily accessible referrals to specialists is a positive indicator.

The assessment of COPD scores for doctors in the 29506 ZIP code involves a multi-faceted approach. It requires gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices based on their COPD management protocols, evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources. This data is then analyzed to assign a score reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area.

A high COPD score would indicate a favorable environment for COPD patients, with a sufficient number of primary care physicians, readily accessible appointments, practices with specialized COPD programs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support. Conversely, a low score would signal challenges in accessing and receiving adequate COPD care.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios is a starting point. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other sources provides insights into the overall physician supply in the area. However, this data alone is insufficient. A more in-depth analysis would involve examining the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, considering the specialties of the physicians (e.g., pulmonologists, internal medicine specialists), and evaluating the accessibility of their practices.

Identifying standout practices requires a combination of research methods. This includes reviewing patient reviews, consulting with local healthcare organizations, and examining practice websites and brochures. Practices that actively promote their COPD management programs, offer specialized services like pulmonary rehabilitation, and participate in quality improvement initiatives are likely to be considered standout practices.

The extent of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by examining the websites and promotional materials of primary care practices. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are likely to have embraced telemedicine. The availability of mental health resources can be determined by reviewing practice websites, contacting practices directly, and consulting with local mental health organizations.

The overall COPD score is a composite measure that reflects the combined impact of these factors. It provides a snapshot of the current state of COPD care in the 29506 ZIP code and can be used to identify areas for improvement.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Florence, South Carolina, is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities in COPD management. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. Improving physician-to-patient ratios, supporting the development of standout practices, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources are all essential steps in improving the quality of life for COPD patients in Florence.

For a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Florence, South Carolina, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.