26169, Rockport, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26169, Rockport, West Virginia is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.95 percent of the residents in 26169 has some form of health insurance. 32.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.46 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 26169 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26169. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 145 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 296 health care providers accessible to residents in 26169, Rockport, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP Code 26169, Rockport, West Virginia, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources. This evaluation aims to provide a COPD Score, reflecting the ease of access to quality care, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telehealth integration, and the availability of mental health services.

Rockport, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The COPD Score is not just a numerical value but a holistic assessment of the support system available to individuals managing this chronic respiratory illness. Factors such as geographic isolation, socioeconomic conditions, and the age demographics of the population influence the overall COPD care landscape.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical determinant of access. In a rural area like Rockport, the number of PCPs relative to the population significantly impacts the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and consistent care. A low ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. The COPD Score considers this ratio, factoring in the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP Code and the estimated population served. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and other sources are utilized to estimate these ratios.

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding the best practices in COPD care within the community. The COPD Score considers the presence of board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialized healthcare professionals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based COPD management, including regular pulmonary function testing (PFTs), smoking cessation programs, and patient education initiatives, receive higher scores. The review of practices involves analyzing publicly available information, patient reviews, and potentially, direct outreach to healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers limit access to care. The COPD Score assesses the extent to which local practices offer telehealth services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management support. Practices that leverage technology to improve patient access and convenience are viewed favorably. The evaluation considers the type of telehealth platforms used, the availability of virtual appointments, and the integration of remote monitoring devices.

Mental health resources are an integral part of COPD care. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and physical activity, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The COPD Score considers the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. Practices that offer integrated mental health support or have established referral pathways to mental health providers receive higher scores. The assessment considers the proximity of mental health services, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to COPD patients.

The COPD Score is not a static metric but a dynamic reflection of the evolving healthcare landscape. The score is updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This continuous monitoring ensures that the COPD Score remains a relevant and useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 26169, Rockport, West Virginia, is a composite value derived from the factors discussed above. The score is not a definitive ranking but a relative measure of the quality of care available. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with greater access to PCPs, specialized care, telehealth services, and mental health support. The COPD Score is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and should be used in conjunction with other sources of information, such as patient reviews and personal consultations with healthcare providers.

The analysis of the physician-to-patient ratio reveals that Rockport faces challenges due to its rural setting. The availability of PCPs is limited, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. The COPD Score reflects this constraint, adjusting the overall score accordingly.

The evaluation of standout practices highlights the need for increased specialization in COPD care. While some practices may demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based management, the overall availability of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists is limited. The COPD Score considers the presence of these specialists, recognizing their critical role in providing comprehensive COPD care.

Telemedicine adoption within the community is still developing. While some practices may offer virtual consultations, the integration of remote monitoring devices and other telehealth technologies is limited. The COPD Score acknowledges this gap, emphasizing the need for increased investment in telehealth infrastructure to improve patient access and convenience.

The availability of mental health resources presents another area for improvement. The limited number of mental health providers in the community necessitates the development of robust referral pathways and integrated mental health support within primary care practices. The COPD Score considers the availability of these resources, recognizing their importance in addressing the psychological challenges associated with COPD.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Rockport, ZIP Code 26169, reflects a healthcare environment with both strengths and weaknesses. While the community benefits from the dedication of its healthcare providers, challenges remain in terms of physician-to-patient ratios, specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The COPD Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the current state of COPD care and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and visualize the data used in this analysis, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow users to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can enhance understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitate informed decision-making.