24830, Elbert, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 24830, Elbert, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 67.65 percent of the residents in 24830 has some form of health insurance. 48.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.18 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 24830 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24830. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 493 health care providers accessible to residents in 24830, Elbert, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: 24830 & Elbert Primary Care

The following analysis provides an assessment of primary care physician resources and their preparedness to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within the 24830 ZIP code area, focusing on Elbert County, and incorporating factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health services. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific region.

Evaluating COPD care necessitates a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of physicians but also the quality and accessibility of services. The 24830 ZIP code, encompassing a specific geographical area, will be examined in relation to Elbert County's primary care infrastructure. The focus will be on how well-equipped the existing system is to address the needs of COPD patients, who often require ongoing management, medication, and potential pulmonary rehabilitation.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, signifying a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised quality of care. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in 24830, compared to regional and national averages, will provide a baseline understanding of the potential strain on primary care resources. This analysis will consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population served.

Within Elbert County, the distribution of PCPs can vary. Some practices might be larger, with multiple physicians, while others may be smaller, solo practices. Larger practices often have the advantage of greater resources, including specialized equipment, nursing staff, and potentially more comprehensive care coordination. These larger practices may also have the capacity to offer a broader range of services, such as on-site pulmonary function testing, which is crucial for COPD diagnosis and management.

Identifying standout practices within the 24830 area is important. These practices may have implemented best practices in COPD care, such as patient education programs, structured follow-up appointments, and close collaboration with pulmonologists. They might also demonstrate a commitment to utilizing evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, ensuring patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments. Examining patient reviews and practice accreditations can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in 24830 have adopted telemedicine technologies, including video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and secure messaging platforms. The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, allowing for regular check-ins and monitoring of symptoms without requiring frequent office visits.

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can exacerbate COPD symptoms and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the 24830 area, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. It will also assess the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening and referral services into their COPD management protocols.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another key consideration. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that helps COPD patients improve their lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life. The analysis will determine the availability of these programs within a reasonable distance of the 24830 area and assess the referral patterns of primary care physicians to these programs.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of respiratory therapists, who play a crucial role in educating patients about COPD management, administering breathing treatments, and providing support. The presence of respiratory therapists within primary care practices or in the broader healthcare ecosystem of Elbert County can significantly enhance the quality of COPD care.

The assessment will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for COPD patients and their families. These resources can provide valuable information, emotional support, and a sense of community. The analysis will identify any existing support groups or educational programs within the 24830 area and assess their accessibility to patients.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive picture of the COPD care landscape in the 24830 ZIP code and Elbert County. By considering these various factors, a more informed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system can be made. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for policies and programs that enhance the quality of COPD care for residents of this area.

This analysis will not provide a numerical "COPD Score" in the traditional sense. Instead, it will offer a qualitative assessment based on the factors described above, providing a more holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to COPD care in the specific geographic area. The findings will highlight areas where the healthcare system excels and areas where improvements are needed to better serve the needs of COPD patients.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in the 24830 ZIP code and Elbert County, including the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, 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 a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.