15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.37 percent of the residents in 15909 has some form of health insurance. 45.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.62 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 15909 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15909. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,131 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,090 health care providers accessible to residents in 15909, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Johnstown (ZIP Code 15909)

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, faces unique healthcare challenges, particularly concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for physicians practicing within the 15909 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The evaluation considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Johnstown presents a critical consideration. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to early diagnosis, ongoing management, and preventative care for COPD patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, increased wait times, and potential exacerbations of the disease. Conversely, a higher ratio can improve access and facilitate more proactive patient management. Publicly available data suggests that Johnstown, like many rural areas, might struggle with PCP shortages, potentially impacting COPD care quality. Accurate, up-to-date data on physician distribution and patient demographics is essential for a comprehensive analysis, which would involve a deep dive into local health system reports and government databases.

Several primary care practices in the 15909 ZIP code likely play a significant role in COPD care. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their commitment to COPD management. This assessment requires examining factors like the number of patients with COPD they manage, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines, and the availability of specialized services. Some practices may stand out due to their integration of pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and smoking cessation programs. Others may excel in patient education and self-management support, crucial for empowering patients to take control of their condition. Detailed practice profiles, including information from patient reviews, health plan data, and physician directories, would be necessary to identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption has emerged as a vital tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient monitoring, improving access to care, especially for patients in rural areas with limited mobility. Examining the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Johnstown is crucial. Practices that offer virtual visits, remote monitoring devices, and online patient portals are better equipped to provide timely and convenient care. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services would provide valuable insights into the quality of COPD care.

The mental health of COPD patients is frequently overlooked, yet it significantly impacts their quality of life and disease management. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, making access to mental health resources critical. Evaluating the availability of mental health support within primary care practices in Johnstown is essential. Practices that integrate mental health professionals, offer counseling services, and provide referrals to mental health specialists are better positioned to address the psychological needs of COPD patients. Examining the integration of mental health services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access to these services would provide a more complete picture of COPD care quality.

The COPD Score for physicians in 15909 would ultimately reflect a composite of these factors. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD management, while a lower score would suggest areas for improvement. The score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and technological advancements.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the impact of socio-economic factors on COPD care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can exacerbate the challenges faced by COPD patients. The analysis would incorporate data on these factors to provide a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Johnstown. This would involve assessing the availability of social support services, transportation assistance, and patient education programs.

The analysis would also consider the role of local hospitals and health systems in COPD care. Hospitals often provide specialized pulmonary services, including pulmonary rehabilitation programs and intensive care for exacerbations. The analysis would assess the availability of these services, the quality of care provided, and the coordination between primary care practices and hospitals. This would involve examining hospital data, patient outcomes, and physician collaboration.

The COPD Score analysis would also benefit from patient input. Patient surveys and focus groups can provide valuable insights into their experiences with COPD care, including access to care, satisfaction with services, and perceived quality of life. Incorporating patient feedback would ensure that the analysis reflects the real-world experiences of COPD patients in Johnstown.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in Johnstown requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 15909. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socio-economic factors, we can gain a more complete picture of the challenges and opportunities facing COPD patients in Johnstown.

To visualize the geographical distribution of physicians, primary care availability, and other relevant healthcare data in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and to gain deeper insights into the COPD Score analysis, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome’s interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize complex data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about healthcare resource allocation.