16133, Jackson Center, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16133, Jackson Center, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.68 percent of the residents in 16133 has some form of health insurance. 40.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.76 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 16133 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 453 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16133. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 338 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,580 health care providers accessible to residents in 16133, Jackson Center, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of COPD care available to patients in Jackson Center, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16133), considering the availability of primary care physicians and the adoption of best practices. This assessment will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine integration, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing a chronic condition like COPD.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Jackson Center, a rural community, this ratio is likely to be a significant factor. Data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to determine the precise ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. This can be particularly detrimental for COPD patients, who require regular monitoring and prompt intervention during exacerbations. The availability of primary care physicians, who often serve as the first point of contact for COPD patients, is therefore critical. A shortage in this area can place a strain on existing resources and impact the overall quality of care.

Identifying standout practices requires a more granular analysis. This involves examining the practices of individual primary care providers and specialists in the area. Factors to consider include the number of COPD patients they manage, their adherence to national guidelines for COPD management (such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, GOLD), their use of pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and other diagnostic tools, and their patient outcomes. Practices that consistently demonstrate positive outcomes, such as reduced hospitalizations and improved patient quality of life, would be considered exemplary. These practices would likely have implemented comprehensive care plans, including patient education, smoking cessation programs, and regular follow-up appointments. Gathering this information would involve reviewing patient records (with appropriate permissions), conducting surveys of physicians and patients, and analyzing publicly available data on healthcare quality metrics.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing COPD care. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can be significant. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patients' symptoms. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD care programs can provide more convenient and timely care, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The level of telemedicine adoption can be assessed by examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices (such as pulse oximeters), and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practices' workflow. The success of telemedicine also depends on factors such as patient access to technology and digital literacy.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD management, but they are essential. COPD can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and referring patients to mental health specialists when needed. Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves examining the presence of mental health professionals within the primary care practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the area, and the integration of mental health services into the overall COPD care plan.

The evaluation of these factors would allow for the development of a "COPD Score" for the doctors in ZIP Code 16133. This score would reflect the overall quality of COPD care available in the area, taking into account physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score could be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance the quality of COPD care in Jackson Center. This score, however, is only as good as the data used to create it. The collection of this data requires a multi-faceted approach, including accessing publicly available data, conducting surveys, and obtaining patient records.

The primary care availability in Jackson Center directly influences the COPD Score. The number of primary care physicians, their willingness to accept new patients, and their expertise in managing chronic respiratory conditions are all vital. A shortage of primary care physicians, as previously mentioned, would negatively affect the score. Conversely, a robust primary care network, with physicians experienced in COPD management, would contribute to a higher score. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is also a factor. While primary care physicians often manage the initial stages of COPD, specialists are often needed for more complex cases and for advanced treatment options.

The integration of technology and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) are also important. EHRs can facilitate better communication between physicians, improve care coordination, and provide access to patient data, which can improve the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are likely to provide better care. The availability of patient portals, which allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and schedule appointments, is also beneficial.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 16133 would be a complex metric reflecting the interplay of various factors. The assessment requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, including physician availability, practice patterns, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis, when combined with data visualization tools, can provide valuable insights into the quality of COPD care in Jackson Center.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Jackson Center and other communities? Explore the power of geographic data and uncover hidden insights. Use CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of physician distribution, healthcare access, and patient outcomes. Visualize the data and make informed decisions.