29742, Sharon, South Carolina COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 29742, Sharon, South Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.00 percent of the residents in 29742 has some form of health insurance. 53.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.94 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 29742 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 423 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29742. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 815 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,699 health care providers accessible to residents in 29742, Sharon, South Carolina.

The task requires an analysis of COPD care within a specific geographic area, focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This analysis will be presented as a 'COPD Score' assessment, examining physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine use, and mental health support. The analysis will conclude with a call to action to a mapping service.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29742 and Primary Care Availability in Sharon, SC**

Evaluating the quality of COPD care in a defined area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as a ‘COPD Score,’ will assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 29742, encompassing the town of Sharon, South Carolina, with a specific focus on their capacity to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible primary care. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Sharon, the ratio of PCPs to the overall population, and specifically to the population aged 65 and older (the demographic most susceptible to COPD), is crucial. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau, alongside information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can be used to estimate these ratios. The ‘COPD Score’ will reflect the relative accessibility of PCPs based on these ratios.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves significantly impact COPD care. Practices that prioritize chronic disease management often demonstrate better outcomes. This includes practices with dedicated staff, such as respiratory therapists or certified diabetes educators (who can also assist with COPD education), and those that utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD diagnosis and treatment. The ‘COPD Score’ will evaluate practices based on their adherence to these best practices. This involves reviewing the practice’s website and, where possible, examining publicly available information about their accreditations and the services they offer. Information gathered from patient reviews, while subjective, can also provide insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a convenient and accessible way for patients to receive care, especially those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and virtual follow-up appointments. The ‘COPD Score’ will assess the extent to which PCPs in 29742 offer telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the technology used, and the availability of technical support for patients.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care practices is essential. The ‘COPD Score’ will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the practices in 29742. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or provide resources for managing anxiety and depression. The presence of integrated mental health services will positively influence the score.

Standout practices in the area will be identified. These practices will be recognized for their exceptional commitment to COPD care. This may include practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, those that have embraced telemedicine, or those that have successfully integrated mental health services. These practices will serve as models for other providers in the area.

The ‘COPD Score’ will be a composite measure, reflecting the combined impact of all the factors discussed. A higher score will indicate better access to quality COPD care. The final score will be determined by a weighted average of the sub-scores for each factor, with physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all contributing to the overall assessment.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the findings and recommendations for improving COPD care in Sharon. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, and encouraging the integration of mental health services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the current state of COPD care and to identify areas for improvement.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of PCPs, practice locations, and the availability of specific services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the landscape of COPD care in Sharon and the surrounding areas.