16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.95 percent of the residents in 16142 has some form of health insurance. 31.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.76 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 16142 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,563 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16142. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 992 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,708 health care providers accessible to residents in 16142, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16142 and Primary Care Availability in New Wilmington

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16142), requires a nuanced understanding of the factors impacting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. This analysis will focus on key aspects, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical for a comprehensive COPD care environment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for individuals with COPD. In New Wilmington, assessing this ratio necessitates data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau. We need to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and compare it to the population size. This calculation provides a baseline understanding of the availability of care. Furthermore, it's crucial to consider the age distribution of the population. New Wilmington, like many rural areas, may have a higher proportion of older adults, a demographic particularly susceptible to COPD. This demographic skew necessitates a careful evaluation of the physician-to-patient ratio, adjusted for the prevalence of COPD risk factors and existing diagnoses.

Identifying standout practices within the area is vital. These practices often serve as models for quality care and can provide valuable insights into best practices for COPD management. Factors to consider include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory care. Does the practice offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site? PFTs are essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Does the practice have a dedicated respiratory therapist or nurse educator specializing in COPD management? These specialists play a crucial role in patient education, medication management, and lifestyle modifications, all critical components of effective COPD care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD often demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in treatment and care.

Telemedicine adoption is a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide ongoing support via telehealth platforms can significantly improve COPD management. Assessing telemedicine adoption in New Wilmington involves determining which primary care practices and specialists offer telehealth services. Are virtual appointments readily available? Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or spirometers, to track patient health metrics? The availability of telehealth can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent and timely interventions.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Individuals with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness, the physical limitations it imposes, and the social isolation it can create. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive COPD care. Does the local primary care practice offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric evaluations? Are there partnerships with local mental health providers or access to referrals for specialized care? The integration of mental health services into the COPD care pathway is essential for addressing the holistic needs of patients and improving their overall quality of life.

Evaluating primary care availability also includes examining the availability of specialized services. Are there pulmonologists within a reasonable driving distance? Access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also critical. These programs provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their functional capacity. Assessing the availability of these specialized services, and the ease of access to them, is a key component of the COPD Score analysis.

The overall COPD Score for New Wilmington, 16142, would be a composite of these factors. A higher score would reflect a greater availability of primary care physicians, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with specialized expertise, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer outcomes for individuals with COPD.

This analysis underscores the complexity of evaluating healthcare access in a specific geographic area. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data collection, careful analysis, and a nuanced understanding of the factors impacting COPD management. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available and identify areas for improvement.

For a dynamic and visual representation of healthcare data in New Wilmington, including physician locations, practice profiles, and service availability, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. This tool can help you visualize the landscape of healthcare resources and make informed decisions about your health.