25136, Montgomery, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25136, Montgomery, West Virginia is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.51 percent of the residents in 25136 has some form of health insurance. 67.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.74 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 25136 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 370 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25136. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 286 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 171 health care providers accessible to residents in 25136, Montgomery, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25136 and Primary Care in Montgomery, WV

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 25136 and the broader Montgomery, West Virginia area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, a "COPD Score," will consider various factors impacting patient access and care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective COPD treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its ability to serve individuals with COPD.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. ZIP code 25136, encompassing the town of Montgomery and its surrounding areas, is situated in a region with known healthcare access challenges. Rural areas often struggle with a shortage of primary care physicians, and this scarcity can significantly impact COPD patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship, all of which can hinder effective COPD management. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau, which would allow for a precise calculation. However, it is reasonable to anticipate that the ratio in this area is likely higher than the national average, presenting a significant hurdle for patients.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided by existing primary care clinics and individual physicians. This assessment goes beyond simply counting the number of doctors; it delves into the practices' commitment to COPD management. Key indicators include: the availability of spirometry testing (a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD), the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines, the provision of patient education resources, and the utilization of a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and demonstrate consistently positive patient outcomes should be recognized as leaders in COPD care. Information about these practices can be gathered from local hospital websites, patient reviews, and insurance provider directories.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Montgomery. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the geographic barriers that often limit access to care. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve their patients, especially those with mobility issues or living in remote locations. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires researching the technological infrastructure of local practices, including their use of secure video conferencing platforms, remote patient monitoring devices, and electronic health record systems.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD care. COPD is a chronic disease that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices must have access to mental health professionals, either within the practice or through referral networks. These resources should include access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups specializing in chronic respiratory conditions. Evaluating mental health resource availability involves examining the practice's referral patterns, the presence of on-site mental health providers, and the availability of patient support programs. A practice that effectively integrates mental health services into its COPD care plan is better equipped to address the holistic needs of its patients.

The "COPD Score" for ZIP code 25136 and Montgomery would be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. It would not be a single number, but rather a nuanced assessment highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices committed to evidence-based COPD management, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would signal significant challenges in accessing and receiving quality COPD care, necessitating targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Montgomery and its surrounding areas, specifically concerning COPD management. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to address healthcare disparities. The specifics of the "COPD Score" would be a dynamic process, requiring continuous monitoring and evaluation as the healthcare landscape evolves.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in ZIP code 25136 and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, telemedicine providers, and mental health resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data and can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and distribution of healthcare services.