15781, Walston, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15781, Walston, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15781 has some form of health insurance. 51.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.36 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 15781 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15781. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 39 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,274 health care providers accessible to residents in 15781, Walston, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Walston, PA (ZIP Code 15781)**

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and related resources within Walston, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15781), is crucial for understanding the community's capacity to manage chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis will delve into various aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors that significantly impact COPD patient care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Walston, and the surrounding ZIP code area, is a foundational element of this assessment. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from physician directories, can help determine this ratio. The specifics of this ratio are important to establish a baseline.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is also crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in managing chronic conditions. Factors that contribute to this distinction include the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, patient education programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those led by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), may also be considered standout performers. Investigating these practices involves examining their patient reviews, understanding their staffing models (e.g., the presence of respiratory therapists, nurse educators), and assessing their commitment to patient-centered care.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Walston. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely. This is especially beneficial for COPD patients, who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Examining the availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education programs, is essential. Practices that embrace telehealth can provide more convenient and accessible care, potentially improving patient outcomes. Assessing the types of telehealth services offered, the technology used, and patient satisfaction with these services is important.

The interplay between physical and mental health is well-established. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical aspect of COPD care. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and support groups. Assessing the proximity of mental health providers to primary care practices, the availability of integrated mental health services, and the presence of support groups specifically for COPD patients is essential.

Specific practices within the ZIP code should be evaluated. This evaluation would involve examining their websites, contacting them directly, and reviewing publicly available information. This is to identify practices that specialize in respiratory care, offer comprehensive COPD management programs, and have a strong track record of patient satisfaction. The practices should be assessed on their use of technology, their patient education efforts, and their integration of mental health services.

The success of COPD management also relies on patient education. Practices that offer comprehensive education programs, including information on medication management, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management, are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of educational materials, the use of patient education tools, and the involvement of respiratory therapists or nurse educators in patient education is crucial.

The overall availability of primary care in Walston is also impacted by factors beyond the number of physicians. These factors include the availability of ancillary services, such as diagnostic testing (e.g., pulmonary function tests), respiratory therapy, and pharmacy services. The proximity of these services to primary care practices can significantly impact patient access to care. Assessing the availability of these services and their accessibility to patients is essential.

The quality of care can be further enhanced by the presence of specialized programs. These programs might include pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation programs, and disease management programs. Assessing the availability of these programs, their staffing models, and their patient outcomes is important for understanding the overall quality of COPD care in the area.

The integration of technology in care delivery can also influence outcomes. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and remote monitoring devices. Assessing the adoption of these technologies, their impact on patient care, and their integration with other healthcare services is important.

The financial aspects of healthcare are also relevant. This includes the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the cost of care. Assessing these factors can help determine the affordability of care for COPD patients in the area.

In conclusion, assessing the availability of primary care and related resources in Walston (ZIP code 15781) requires a comprehensive approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources and ancillary services. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the community's capacity to manage COPD and other chronic conditions.

To gain a visual understanding of the landscape of primary care and related resources in Walston and surrounding areas, and to visualize the distribution of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the power of geospatial data visualization. CartoChrome Maps offers interactive maps and detailed insights, allowing you to explore the healthcare ecosystem in ways that static analysis cannot. Visit CartoChrome Maps today to discover the power of location intelligence and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.