15090, Wexford, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15090, Wexford, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.94 percent of the residents in 15090 has some form of health insurance. 18.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.93 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 15090 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,979 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 246 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15090. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,359 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,006 health care providers accessible to residents in 15090, Wexford, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Wexford, PA (ZIP Code 15090)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Wexford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15090), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This analysis aims to provide actionable insights for residents and healthcare providers alike.

Wexford, a rapidly growing suburban community, presents both opportunities and challenges in healthcare delivery. The population's demographic profile, often including a significant elderly population, increases the potential prevalence of COPD. Consequently, the adequacy of resources directly impacts the quality of life for many residents.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. Determining an exact, up-to-the-minute ratio for Wexford requires real-time data, which is often proprietary. However, publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance provider databases, can provide a reasonable estimate. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Researching the specific number of PCPs practicing within the 15090 ZIP code, and comparing it to the estimated population, will yield a baseline ratio. This ratio then needs to be compared to regional and national averages to determine Wexford's relative standing.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are practices concentrated in certain areas of Wexford, leaving others underserved? Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients, and specifically, patients with Medicare or Medicaid, which are common insurance plans for COPD sufferers? These factors significantly influence the practical accessibility of care.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This includes reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the presence of specialized COPD management programs. Practices that proactively offer pulmonary function testing (PFTs), smoking cessation programs, and patient education materials are crucial. Practices that have a dedicated respiratory therapist or a pulmonologist available on-site or through referral networks would score higher. The presence of certified COPD educators or nurses specializing in respiratory care also enhances a practice's COPD score.

Telemedicine adoption is a game-changer in COPD management. Telehealth allows for remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. Practices actively using telehealth platforms for COPD management, including virtual check-ups, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication refills, will receive a higher score. The ease of use of these platforms for both patients and providers is also important. Practices that have integrated telehealth seamlessly into their workflow, and provide clear instructions and technical support to patients, are at the forefront.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but they are essential. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer, or readily refer patients to, mental health services are more comprehensive in their approach. This includes access to therapists, support groups, and potentially, psychiatrists. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals is crucial for holistic patient care. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer integrated care models will be highly rated. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the overall quality of life for COPD patients.

The availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and home healthcare, also significantly affects the COPD score. Practices located near or with strong referral networks to these resources will be better positioned to provide comprehensive care. The efficiency and coordination of these services are critical for managing COPD exacerbations and preventing hospitalizations. The ease of access to these services, and the communication between the PCP and the ancillary providers, also play a key role.

The overall COPD score would be a composite of these factors. It would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of the practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the access to ancillary services. The score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Wexford.

This analysis, while aiming for accuracy, is limited by the availability of public data. A more comprehensive assessment would involve direct communication with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a deeper dive into practice-specific data. Nonetheless, this analysis provides a starting point for understanding the COPD care landscape in Wexford.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wexford, including the locations of PCPs, specialists, and ancillary services, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.