16928, Knoxville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16928, Knoxville, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.04 percent of the residents in 16928 has some form of health insurance. 44.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.72 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 16928 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 294 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16928. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 284 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 503 health care providers accessible to residents in 16928, Knoxville, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16928 and Primary Care Availability in Knoxville**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors within ZIP code 16928 (a hypothetical rural area) and primary care availability in Knoxville, Tennessee, to provide a COPD Score framework. This framework considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, crucial factors in COPD management.

**ZIP Code 16928: A Rural Landscape**

The healthcare landscape in a rural ZIP code like 16928 often presents unique challenges. Physician-to-patient ratios are typically higher than in urban areas, meaning fewer doctors are available to serve a larger population. This scarcity can significantly impact access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of chronic conditions like COPD. The COPD Score for this area would likely be negatively impacted by this factor.

The type of medical practices present is also vital. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is critical for COPD care. If the area lacks pulmonologists, patients may need to travel considerable distances for specialized consultations and treatments, further diminishing the COPD Score.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in rural settings. Does the area have telemedicine programs that allow patients to consult with specialists remotely? This is particularly important for COPD patients, who may have difficulty traveling for appointments. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation or lung function, could further improve the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are often limited in rural areas. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for comprehensive COPD care. A lack of these resources would negatively affect the COPD Score.

**Knoxville: A City Perspective**

Knoxville, a larger city, presents a different healthcare scenario. Primary care availability is generally higher than in rural areas, potentially leading to a better COPD Score. However, even in a city, disparities can exist, depending on factors like socioeconomic status and geographic location within the city.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Knoxville is likely more favorable than in ZIP code 16928. However, this does not guarantee easy access. The location of primary care practices, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their appointment availability all influence access. A high physician-to-patient ratio alone is not sufficient for a high COPD Score.

Knoxville's medical practices are more likely to be part of larger networks or hospital systems. This can offer advantages, such as access to a wider range of specialists, advanced diagnostic tools, and integrated electronic health records. The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are essential for COPD management, is also crucial.

Telemedicine adoption in Knoxville may be more prevalent than in rural areas. Many practices have embraced telehealth, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring. This can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in underserved areas of the city. The COPD Score will be positively influenced by telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources in Knoxville are likely more abundant than in ZIP code 16928. However, the availability of these resources, their accessibility, and their integration with primary care are all important considerations. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work closely with primary care physicians, can significantly improve COPD outcomes. A robust mental health support system would enhance the COPD Score.

**Standout Practices and Considerations**

Identifying standout practices requires detailed research. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management through specialized staff, patient education programs, and innovative technologies would likely receive a higher COPD Score. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD would also be highly regarded.

The quality of care provided by a practice is paramount. This includes factors such as the accuracy of diagnosis, the effectiveness of treatment plans, and the patient's overall experience. Patient satisfaction surveys, outcomes data, and adherence to established guidelines are all important indicators of quality.

**The COPD Score Framework**

The COPD Score framework should consider several key elements. First, physician-to-patient ratios. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) would contribute to a higher score. Second, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is critical. Third, telemedicine adoption, including the use of remote monitoring devices, is essential. Fourth, the integration of mental health resources, including therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial. Finally, the quality of care, including patient satisfaction and adherence to guidelines, is paramount.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating healthcare access and quality for COPD patients requires a nuanced approach. The COPD Score framework provides a valuable tool for assessing the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in different geographic areas, such as ZIP code 16928 and Knoxville, is essential for improving COPD outcomes.

To visualize and analyze the data discussed, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care, highlight standout practices, and track the impact of telemedicine initiatives.