15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.54 percent of the residents in 15560 has some form of health insurance. 42.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.55 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 15560 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 29 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15560. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 26 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 611 health care providers accessible to residents in 15560, Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Shanksville, PA (ZIP Code 15560)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15560) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors crucial for COPD management: physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting individuals living with this chronic respiratory disease.

The cornerstone of effective COPD management is readily accessible primary care. In Shanksville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures require detailed data analysis, we can make some assumptions. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. If Shanksville reflects this trend, the ratio likely leans towards a higher number of patients per primary care physician compared to more urbanized areas. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, compromised continuity of care, all of which negatively impact COPD management.

Examining the characteristics of primary care practices in the area is also vital. Do practices offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site? Are they equipped to administer and monitor inhaled medications effectively? Do they participate in COPD-specific disease management programs? Practices that integrate these elements into their care models are better positioned to provide proactive and preventative care, crucial for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life for COPD patients. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) within the practice or readily accessible through referral is another significant advantage.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in managing chronic conditions like COPD, especially in rural settings. Its adoption in Shanksville is a key factor in our score. Does the local primary care network offer virtual consultations for medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education? Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improving access to care and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or transportation challenges. The availability of remote patient monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, could further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions.

The psychological impact of COPD is often underestimated. Individuals with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health resources is an integral component of a comprehensive COPD care plan. Are mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), readily available in Shanksville? Is there a referral pathway in place for primary care physicians to connect patients with these services? The integration of mental health support into the COPD care pathway is essential for addressing the holistic needs of patients and improving their overall well-being.

Standout practices within the area, if any, should be identified. This could involve practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD-specific care, such as actively participating in COPD research, offering specialized education programs for patients and families, or achieving high patient satisfaction scores. These practices serve as models for best practices and can positively influence the overall quality of COPD care in the community. Identifying these practices and understanding their approach can help other providers improve their services.

To arrive at a COPD Score, we would need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of their practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each category would be assigned a weighted score based on its importance to COPD management. For example, a practice that offers on-site PFTs, actively utilizes telemedicine, and has a strong referral network for mental health services would receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources.

The final COPD Score would reflect the overall quality of COPD care in Shanksville. A high score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare system with readily accessible primary care, advanced telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health support. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and strengthening the integration of mental health resources.

The analysis of primary care availability in Shanksville suggests that the community faces challenges common to rural areas. The physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a hurdle. The presence of specialized COPD services and the extent of telemedicine adoption would significantly impact the overall score. The integration of mental health support is also crucial for a comprehensive approach to patient care.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shanksville, and to visualize the data discussed, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, enabling a more informed assessment of the COPD care environment. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze the healthcare data in Shanksville, PA (ZIP Code 15560).