The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16750, Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 91.90 percent of the residents in 16750 has some form of health insurance. 32.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.91 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 16750 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 130 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16750. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 66 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 405 health care providers accessible to residents in 16750, Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 16750, Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania
COPD Score | 49 |
---|---|
People Score | 79 |
Provider Score | 21 |
Hospital Score | 45 |
Travel Score | 46 |
16750 | Turtlepoint | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Turtlepoint, PA (ZIP Code 16750)
Analyzing the availability of quality primary care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16750) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of supporting effective COPD management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.
The foundation of COPD care lies in accessible and competent primary care. ZIP Code 16750, a rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations: physician shortages and limited access to specialized services. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and professional medical associations will be utilized to estimate the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the area and compare it to the population size. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and ongoing care, critical for COPD patients.
Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by existing PCPs is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves researching patient reviews, assessing accreditations, and evaluating the availability of services specifically tailored to COPD management. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive COPD care, such as offering regular pulmonary function testing (PFTs), providing patient education on inhaler techniques, and coordinating care with pulmonologists, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, a practice’s responsiveness to patient needs, including ease of appointment scheduling and efficient communication, contributes significantly to positive patient outcomes.
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address geographical barriers and improve access to care in rural areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 16750 is essential. This involves investigating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals. Telemedicine can facilitate medication management, provide ongoing support, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be especially beneficial for COPD patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within the community is also a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.
The psychological impact of COPD is often underestimated. Living with a chronic respiratory condition can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial aspect of comprehensive COPD care. This analysis will examine the proximity of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, to the area. It will also investigate whether PCPs are equipped to screen for mental health issues and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health services. The integration of mental healthcare with primary care is vital for addressing the holistic needs of COPD patients.
Specific practices in the area will be researched to determine if they offer specialized COPD programs. These programs may include respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation counseling. The availability of these services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is a strong indicator of a practice’s commitment to comprehensive COPD management. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) and other healthcare professionals with expertise in respiratory care is also a positive sign.
Furthermore, the availability of specialized equipment within the practices is assessed. This includes the availability of spirometers for performing PFTs, pulse oximeters for monitoring oxygen saturation levels, and nebulizers for administering medication. The presence of these tools demonstrates a practice’s ability to diagnose and manage COPD effectively. The practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also examined. EHRs facilitate communication between healthcare providers, track patient progress, and improve the coordination of care.
The analysis will also consider the availability of resources outside of primary care. This includes the presence of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists in the broader region. The ease of access to these specialists through referrals from PCPs is a critical factor in ensuring that COPD patients receive the appropriate level of care. The proximity of hospitals with respiratory care units and intensive care units (ICUs) is also important, especially in cases of acute exacerbations.
Finally, the analysis will consider the cost of care. This includes the cost of physician visits, medications, and other services. The availability of financial assistance programs and insurance coverage is also assessed. The goal is to determine whether COPD patients in 16750 have access to affordable, quality care. The analysis will consider the cost of common medications, the acceptance of different insurance plans, and the availability of patient assistance programs.
In conclusion, evaluating the COPD score for physicians and primary care availability in Turtlepoint, PA (ZIP Code 16750) requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis highlights the importance of accessible, comprehensive, and coordinated care for individuals managing COPD. The findings can inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the area and ultimately improve the quality of life for COPD patients.
To further explore the healthcare landscape in Turtlepoint and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and access to pharmacies, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and patients, allowing for data-driven insights and improved decision-making. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.
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