15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.38 percent of the residents in 15928 has some form of health insurance. 33.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.90 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 15928 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15928. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 622 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15928 and Primary Care Availability in Davidsville**

Davidsville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 15928, presents a unique landscape for healthcare, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Assessing the quality and accessibility of care for COPD patients requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and support for mental health. This analysis attempts to provide a COPD Score, a hypothetical ranking, based on available data and reasonable assumptions, focusing on the specific context of Davidsville and the surrounding area.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in robust primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts a patient's ability to receive early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and coordinated care. In Davidsville, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. Without specific data, we must make an educated guess. Assuming a rural setting with a potentially aging population, the ratio might be less favorable than in more urban areas. A lower ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, would negatively affect the COPD Score. This scarcity could lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased reliance on emergency room visits for COPD exacerbations.

Standout practices within the ZIP code would significantly influence the COPD Score. A practice demonstrating a commitment to COPD management would receive a higher ranking. This commitment could manifest in several ways. First, does the practice have physicians with specific training or board certifications in pulmonary medicine or related fields? Second, does the practice offer specialized services like pulmonary function testing (PFT) and access to respiratory therapists? Third, is there a dedicated COPD education program for patients, covering topics like medication management, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications? Fourth, does the practice actively participate in COPD research or quality improvement initiatives? A practice excelling in these areas would be considered a strong asset to the community.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural settings. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. A practice actively utilizing telemedicine for COPD management would receive a higher score. This includes the availability of virtual visits for routine check-ups, medication refills, and symptom management. Remote monitoring tools, such as wearable sensors that track vital signs and activity levels, can provide valuable insights into a patient's condition and enable proactive interventions. The integration of telemedicine also facilitates communication and collaboration between PCPs and pulmonologists, improving care coordination.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of COPD management, yet it is critically important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources is therefore essential. A practice that integrates mental health services into its COPD care would receive a higher score. This could include access to on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of living with COPD. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, would also be a positive factor.

The COPD Score, therefore, is a composite measure. It reflects the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care within the specified geographic area. Factors like physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability are all considered. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with greater access to comprehensive and coordinated care. A lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing care and a need for improvements in various areas.

In the context of Davidsville, the COPD Score would likely be influenced by the rural nature of the area. The physician-to-patient ratio might be a limiting factor, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access. However, the presence of standout practices committed to COPD management, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services could significantly improve the score.

To improve the COPD Score in Davidsville, several strategies could be considered. First, efforts to attract and retain primary care physicians and pulmonologists are crucial. This could involve offering financial incentives, promoting the area as a desirable place to live and work, and creating partnerships with medical schools and residency programs. Second, practices should be encouraged to adopt telemedicine technologies to expand access to care and improve patient convenience. Third, healthcare providers should be educated about the importance of mental health in COPD management and provided with resources to support patients. Fourth, community-based programs and support groups can be developed to provide education, peer support, and resources for patients and their families.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score in Davidsville requires a careful evaluation of various factors. While challenges may exist due to the rural setting, the potential for improvement is significant. By focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the quality and accessibility of COPD care can be significantly enhanced.

To visualize and analyze the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. This powerful tool can help identify areas with limited access to care, highlight areas of strength, and inform strategic planning for improving COPD management in Davidsville and the surrounding areas.