15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.26 percent of the residents in 15636 has some form of health insurance. 15.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.35 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 15636 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15636. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 461 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 15636, Harrison City, Pennsylvania.

The assessment of COPD care within ZIP code 15636, encompassing Harrison City, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), a critical factor in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive COPD care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Harrison City, and the broader 15636 ZIP code, is a key indicator of access to care. Determining the precise ratio requires a detailed analysis of the number of practicing PCPs and the population they serve. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to approximate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient, impacting the quality of care for individuals with COPD. A higher ratio, conversely, suggests greater access to care.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria, including the experience of their physicians in treating COPD, the availability of specialized equipment like pulmonary function testing (PFT) machines, and their adherence to established COPD treatment guidelines. Practices that consistently demonstrate positive patient outcomes, as evidenced by patient reviews, reduced hospital readmission rates, and improved patient quality of life, should be recognized. Investigating practices that participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD is also important.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly significant in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including remote monitoring of patients’ conditions, virtual consultations, and medication management. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 15636 is crucial. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. Examining the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine with existing electronic health records (EHRs) is vital.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD care is the availability of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential. The analysis should investigate the presence of mental health providers in the area, their willingness to treat patients with COPD, and the availability of integrated mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated mental health services are better equipped to provide holistic care.

The availability of respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a critical factor. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in educating patients about their condition, administering breathing treatments, and providing support. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which include exercise, education, and support, can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with COPD. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources within the 15636 ZIP code is important.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the accessibility of pharmacies and the availability of necessary medications, including inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Ensuring that patients can easily obtain their prescribed medications is crucial for effective COPD management. This includes assessing the proximity of pharmacies to primary care practices and patient homes, as well as the availability of medication assistance programs for patients who may have difficulty affording their medications.

To conduct a thorough assessment, data from various sources must be gathered and analyzed. This includes publicly available data from government agencies, information from healthcare providers, and patient reviews. The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served, including age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation. These factors can influence the accessibility and quality of care.

A comprehensive COPD score for doctors in 15636 would integrate all these factors. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and pharmacies. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking care, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. It would also provide valuable information for healthcare providers, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and to enhance the quality of care they provide.

The final score would not be a static number but a dynamic representation of the healthcare landscape. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the availability of resources, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the patient population. This dynamic approach ensures that the score remains relevant and useful for both patients and providers.

Ultimately, improving COPD care in Harrison City and the surrounding area requires a collaborative effort. This involves healthcare providers, patients, community organizations, and government agencies working together to address the challenges and opportunities in COPD management. By focusing on access to care, quality of care, and the integration of mental health and other supportive services, the community can improve the lives of individuals living with COPD.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 15636, including the locations of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools can offer a valuable perspective on healthcare accessibility and resource distribution.