15756, Mc Intyre, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15756, Mc Intyre, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.13 percent of the residents in 15756 has some form of health insurance. 68.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.71 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 15756 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 73 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15756. 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 291 health care providers accessible to residents in 15756, Mc Intyre, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15756 and Primary Care in Mc Intyre

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, especially concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors practicing within ZIP Code 15756, which encompasses the town of Marion Center, Pennsylvania, and assesses the primary care landscape in the broader Mc Intyre Township. A COPD Score, though not a standardized metric, will be constructed using several key factors to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care available to COPD patients.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

A fundamental aspect of any healthcare assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide population figures for ZIP Code 15756 and Mc Intyre Township. Cross-referencing this data with resources like the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s physician directory, or similar databases, allows for an estimation of the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the area. This data, however, provides only a snapshot. The actual availability is influenced by factors such as physician specialization, patient load, and insurance acceptance. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potentially easier access to care, while a high ratio could indicate longer wait times for appointments and increased patient burden on existing providers.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code and township is crucial. Are the practices clustered in one area, or are they dispersed throughout the region? Dispersed practices generally improve accessibility for residents in more rural areas. Analyzing the distance patients must travel to reach a primary care provider is essential. Factors like public transportation availability, road conditions, and patient mobility, especially for those with COPD, significantly impact accessibility.

**Standout Practices and Their COPD Management Strategies:**

Identifying standout practices requires investigation beyond simple physician counts. Researching the practices themselves is critical. This includes evaluating the practice’s commitment to COPD management. Do they have dedicated respiratory therapists or nurses? Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, a vital diagnostic tool for COPD? Are they participating in any quality improvement programs focused on COPD care, such as those promoted by the National COPD Education Program (NCEP)?

Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education are particularly valuable. Do they provide educational materials on COPD management, including smoking cessation programs, medication adherence, and breathing techniques? Do they offer support groups or connect patients with local resources? A practice that actively engages patients in their care, providing comprehensive education and support, is likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption rate among primary care practices in ZIP Code 15756 and Mc Intyre Township should be assessed. Are practices offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, or other telehealth services? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, allowing for regular check-ins, medication management adjustments, and symptom monitoring without requiring frequent in-person visits.

The level of telemedicine adoption can be determined through online research, practice websites, and phone inquiries. It's important to ascertain the types of telehealth services offered, the technology used, and the practice’s experience with telemedicine. Furthermore, assessing patient satisfaction with telemedicine services is essential to understand their effectiveness.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD:**

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical component of the COPD Score. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, practicing in the area? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services?

Evaluating the availability of mental health support groups, counseling services, and access to psychiatric medications is essential. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is a key factor in providing holistic care for COPD patients. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer integrated mental health support are likely to deliver better overall patient outcomes.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 15756 and Mc Intyre Township:**

Applying this framework to ZIP Code 15756 and Mc Intyre Township requires gathering specific data. Research should focus on identifying the primary care practices in the area, their physician-to-patient ratios, and their specific approaches to COPD management. This includes assessing the availability of pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and support staff.

Investigating the adoption of telemedicine within these practices is crucial. Do they offer virtual consultations or remote monitoring? How do they address the mental health needs of their patients? Are there local mental health providers, support groups, and resources available?

The quality of care can be assessed using publicly available resources, such as patient reviews, practice websites, and insurance provider directories. However, a comprehensive analysis would require direct contact with practices, patient interviews, and a review of relevant data to provide a truly meaningful COPD Score.

**Conclusion:**

Creating a comprehensive COPD Score requires a thorough investigation of the primary care landscape in ZIP Code 15756 and Mc Intyre Township. The analysis should consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice-specific COPD management strategies, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A detailed analysis of these factors will provide a more accurate picture of the accessibility and quality of care available to COPD patients in the area.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can help visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with potential gaps in care.