16879, Winburne, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16879, Winburne, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.68 percent of the residents in 16879 has some form of health insurance. 44.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.93 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 16879 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 29 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16879. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 69 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 733 health care providers accessible to residents in 16879, Winburne, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on the availability of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in and around Winburne, Pennsylvania, specifically within ZIP code 16879. This involves assessing the quality and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) and other relevant healthcare resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a COPD Score analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing this chronic respiratory illness.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Winburne, being a relatively small community, likely has a limited number of PCPs. A low physician-to-patient ratio can present challenges for COPD patients. It can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it difficult to receive timely diagnoses, treatment adjustments, and routine check-ups essential for managing COPD effectively. Further investigation is needed to determine the exact ratio within ZIP code 16879. This would involve identifying the number of practicing PCPs in the area and comparing it to the estimated population, factoring in the prevalence of COPD within the community.

Primary care availability is paramount. COPD management often requires a close relationship with a PCP who can monitor lung function, prescribe medications, and coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists. The geographical distribution of PCPs within Winburne and the surrounding areas is critical. Are the existing practices easily accessible by public transportation or car? Are there practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, ensuring affordability for a diverse patient population? The presence of practices open during evenings or weekends can also improve accessibility, especially for those with work commitments.

Beyond the general availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided is a significant factor. This can be evaluated by examining patient reviews, assessing the practices' accreditation status, and reviewing their adherence to evidence-based COPD guidelines. Some practices may stand out based on their commitment to patient education, offering resources and support groups for individuals with COPD. Others may excel in providing comprehensive pulmonary function testing or offering specialized programs tailored to the needs of COPD patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another key consideration. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and enabling more frequent monitoring of their condition. The availability of telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources, should be assessed. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially offer better care coordination and reduce the burden on patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is important. Do local practices have integrated behavioral health services, or are there referrals to external mental health providers? Support groups and counseling services can also play a vital role in helping patients cope with the emotional challenges of living with COPD.

Specific practices in and around Winburne require detailed scrutiny. The analysis should identify the names of the practices, their specialties, the insurance plans they accept, their hours of operation, and their telemedicine capabilities. Information on their patient education programs, support groups, and their adherence to COPD guidelines should be gathered. This would involve contacting the practices directly, reviewing their websites, and consulting with local healthcare organizations.

The analysis must also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. The presence of a local hospital or medical center is a significant factor. Does the hospital have a pulmonology department or a dedicated respiratory care unit? Are there emergency services available for COPD exacerbations? The availability of home healthcare services, such as respiratory therapists and home oxygen providers, is also important. These services can provide crucial support to patients in their homes, improving their quality of life and reducing the need for hospital readmissions.

The COPD Score would be derived from these factors. It would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care for COPD patients in ZIP code 16879. The score could be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better care. The score would be based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of supporting healthcare services.

The final analysis would also include recommendations for improvement. This could involve suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services. The analysis could also highlight best practices from standout practices and recommend ways to replicate them.

This detailed COPD Score analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Winburne (ZIP code 16879), is a complex undertaking. The information is vital for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The findings can inform decisions about healthcare access, resource allocation, and community health initiatives.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Winburne and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent the location of PCPs, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities, allowing you to assess accessibility and identify potential gaps in care. By using CartoChrome maps, you can visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16879.