15860, Sigel, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15860, Sigel, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 15860 has some form of health insurance. 42.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.63 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 15860 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15860. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 283 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 167 health care providers accessible to residents in 15860, Sigel, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of COPD care within ZIP Code 15860, focusing on primary care availability in Sigel, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical factors influencing the quality of care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

ZIP Code 15860, encompassing Sigel and surrounding areas, is a primarily rural region. This geographical context significantly shapes healthcare access. A key determinant of COPD care quality is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas, this ratio is often less favorable than in urban centers, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. Accurate, up-to-date data on this ratio is crucial for understanding the community’s healthcare capacity. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide some insights, but the dynamic nature of physician staffing requires continuous monitoring.

Primary care availability in Sigel is a cornerstone of effective COPD management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms. Their ability to diagnose, initiate treatment, and coordinate care with specialists is vital. The presence of a robust primary care network, including the number of practicing PCPs, their acceptance of new patients, and their ability to provide comprehensive services, directly impacts the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and appropriate care.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP Code requires a nuanced approach. This involves assessing several factors beyond just the number of physicians. Practice characteristics such as the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing, access to respiratory therapists, and the implementation of patient education programs are all significant. Practices that actively participate in disease management programs and demonstrate a commitment to patient education often yield better outcomes. Patient reviews and feedback, when available, provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in rural settings. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The extent of telemedicine integration within practices in 15860 is a crucial factor. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education and self-management.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a critical component of comprehensive COPD management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients.

The assessment of mental health resource availability involves identifying local mental health providers, assessing their capacity to serve COPD patients, and evaluating the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Ideally, practices should have established referral pathways to mental health professionals and actively screen patients for mental health concerns.

Specific data on physician-to-patient ratios in 15860 is challenging to obtain definitively without direct access to healthcare provider databases. However, publicly available resources like the HRSA provide estimates, and local hospitals and healthcare systems may publish reports. The number of practicing PCPs in Sigel itself is likely limited, given the town's small size. Residents likely rely on physicians in neighboring towns or cities.

Regarding standout practices, a thorough investigation would involve contacting local healthcare providers and reviewing their websites and patient reviews. It is important to look for practices that emphasize patient education, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to managing COPD. The presence of respiratory therapists, on-site pulmonary function testing, and participation in disease management programs are all positive indicators.

The adoption of telemedicine in 15860 is likely variable. Some practices may have embraced telehealth solutions, while others may still be in the early stages of implementation. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital tools for patient education should be investigated.

The availability of mental health resources in the area is another key factor. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and psychiatric care is crucial for patients managing COPD. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices should be a priority.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in 15860 requires a multi-faceted approach. Physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. While specific data points may be difficult to obtain without direct access to healthcare provider databases, a comprehensive investigation involving local healthcare providers, patient reviews, and publicly available resources can provide a valuable understanding of the landscape.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15860 and beyond, including the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and population demographics, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and resource allocation.