29594, Tatum, South Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 29594, Tatum, South Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.93 percent of the residents in 29594 has some form of health insurance. 66.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 22.56 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 29594 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29594. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 82 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 992 health care providers accessible to residents in 29594, Tatum, South Carolina.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29594 & Primary Care in Tatum

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 29594, specifically considering their accessibility and the availability of resources relevant to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We will also evaluate the primary care landscape in Tatum, South Carolina, a small community within this ZIP code, focusing on its unique challenges and opportunities. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in COPD care.

The COPD Score, in this context, is a qualitative assessment based on several key factors. These include the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized COPD-related services, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health support, and the overall accessibility of care. The score is not a numerical ranking but a descriptive evaluation of the current state of affairs.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

A crucial aspect of COPD care is the accessibility of PCPs. High physician-to-patient ratios can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Within ZIP code 29594, the physician-to-patient ratio appears to be a significant concern. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential physician shortages, may contribute to this challenge. This suggests that patients with COPD may face difficulties in securing timely access to their primary care physicians.

Tatum, as a smaller community within this ZIP code, faces even greater challenges. The availability of PCPs in Tatum itself is likely limited, forcing residents to travel to larger towns or cities for care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for COPD patients, who may experience shortness of breath and reduced mobility. The lack of local primary care necessitates strategies to improve access, such as mobile clinics or expanded telemedicine services.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Services:**

While overall accessibility may be a concern, it is essential to identify any standout practices within 29594 that are excelling in COPD care. These practices may offer specialized services, such as pulmonary function testing, respiratory therapy, and COPD education programs. They might also have dedicated staff trained in managing COPD, including nurses and respiratory therapists.

Identifying these practices is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows us to recognize and celebrate excellence in COPD care. Second, it can provide valuable insights into best practices that other practices can emulate. Finally, it can help patients identify the most suitable providers for their needs. Further research is needed to specifically identify these practices and their specific offerings.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve COPD care, especially in rural areas like 29594 and Tatum. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to access care. It can also be used for remote monitoring of patients' vital signs, medication management, and patient education.

The adoption of telemedicine within 29594 appears to be variable. Some practices may have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Others may be lagging, citing factors such as lack of infrastructure, patient reluctance, or reimbursement challenges. Increased telemedicine adoption is essential to improve access to care and provide timely interventions for COPD patients.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD:**

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness, the physical limitations it imposes, and the social isolation it can cause. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore critical for comprehensive COPD care.

The availability of these resources within 29594 and Tatum needs careful evaluation. Are there mental health professionals integrated into primary care practices? Are there support groups specifically for COPD patients? Are patients aware of the mental health services available to them? Addressing these questions is crucial to ensure that COPD patients receive the holistic care they need.

**Challenges and Opportunities in Tatum:**

Tatum, as a small community, faces unique challenges in providing COPD care. The limited availability of PCPs, the potential lack of specialized services, and the challenges of accessing mental health resources all contribute to a complex healthcare landscape.

However, Tatum also presents opportunities. The community's size could facilitate closer collaboration between PCPs, community organizations, and other healthcare providers. The potential for community-based COPD education programs is significant. The adoption of telemedicine could be particularly impactful in Tatum, allowing residents to access care from providers located outside the immediate area.

**Conclusion:**

The COPD Score for ZIP code 29594, and particularly for the community of Tatum, reveals a mixed picture. While the area may face challenges related to physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized services, opportunities exist to improve COPD care through telemedicine, community-based programs, and increased focus on mental health support. Identifying and replicating best practices from standout practices is also key.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 29594 and Tatum, including physician locations, practice specialties, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas for improvement.