16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.95 percent of the residents in 16153 has some form of health insurance. 39.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.84 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 16153 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 563 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16153. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 377 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,741 health care providers accessible to residents in 16153, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Stoneboro, PA (ZIP Code 16153)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16153) with a focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management presents a complex picture. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score, a hypothetical ranking based on factors impacting COPD care, for primary care physicians within the area, considering aspects like physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive COPD treatment. The score is not a definitive ranking but a conceptual framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Stoneboro is a critical starting point. While precise figures require access to proprietary datasets, the general trend for rural areas suggests a potential scarcity of primary care physicians compared to urban centers. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to COPD management. This impacts the COPD Score negatively.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is another crucial factor. COPD is a chronic disease often requiring specialized care. The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists in the surrounding areas directly influence the quality of care available to Stoneboro residents. A lack of readily available pulmonology services would negatively impact the COPD Score, highlighting a potential gap in specialized care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving COPD care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of patients, virtual consultations, and medication management, thereby reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, offering virtual check-ups, and utilizing remote monitoring devices would receive a higher COPD Score. This proactive approach to patient care demonstrates a commitment to improving access and convenience for patients managing COPD.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in COPD care, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer access to mental health professionals, either in-house or through referrals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Practices demonstrating this commitment would receive a higher COPD Score, acknowledging the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of the disease.

Standout practices within Stoneboro, if any, would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to COPD management. This includes practices with a strong focus on patient education, offering COPD self-management programs, and providing access to respiratory therapists. Practices that actively participate in local COPD support groups or community outreach programs would also receive higher scores. This demonstrates a commitment to patient empowerment and community involvement.

The specific COPD Score for individual physicians in Stoneboro cannot be determined without access to detailed, proprietary data. However, based on the factors discussed, a hypothetical scoring system could be constructed. For instance, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a lower physician-to-patient ratio, active telemedicine programs, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score.

The availability of pharmacies and respiratory equipment suppliers also impacts the COPD Score. Easy access to medications, inhalers, oxygen, and other necessary equipment is crucial for effective COPD management. Practices that collaborate with local pharmacies and suppliers to ensure patient access to these resources would be viewed favorably.

The level of patient education offered by a practice also influences the COPD Score. Practices that provide comprehensive education on COPD management, including smoking cessation programs, proper inhaler technique, and the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation, demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to manage their disease effectively.

The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a role. EHRs facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, allowing for improved coordination of care and easier access to patient information. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively would likely receive a higher COPD Score.

Furthermore, the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs within or near Stoneboro is a key factor. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured program designed to improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life for individuals with COPD. The proximity and accessibility of these programs significantly impact the overall quality of care.

Finally, the overall level of community awareness regarding COPD is important. Practices that actively participate in raising awareness about COPD, such as through community events or educational campaigns, would receive a higher COPD Score. This demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the community.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for primary care physicians in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16153) is a multifaceted assessment. It depends on the interplay of various factors, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, access to mental health resources, the availability of specialists, patient education, and the overall commitment of practices to providing comprehensive COPD care. While a precise score requires detailed data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of COPD care in this rural area.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stoneboro and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a spatial representation of healthcare access, enabling a more informed understanding of the resources available to individuals managing COPD.