17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.61 percent of the residents in 17009 has some form of health insurance. 44.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.07 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 17009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 380 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,033 health care providers accessible to residents in 17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of care and resource availability for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Burnham, Pennsylvania, specifically considering primary care physicians within the 17009 ZIP code. This assessment will delve into various factors impacting COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout medical practices, telemedicine implementation, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive COPD care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 17009, while not directly quantifiable without access to proprietary medical databases, can be inferred to be a potential area of concern. Burnham, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized pulmonary care, and a higher patient load per physician. These factors can significantly impact the timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of COPD, a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans.

Identifying standout practices necessitates a deeper dive into the specific clinics and medical groups operating within the 17009 ZIP code. A standout practice for COPD care would likely exhibit several key characteristics. First, they would have a dedicated pulmonologist or a primary care physician with a strong interest and expertise in respiratory medicine. Second, they would have access to advanced diagnostic equipment, such as spirometry machines for lung function testing, and the ability to perform other relevant tests to diagnose and monitor COPD progression.

Furthermore, a standout practice would embrace a multidisciplinary approach. This means coordinating care with respiratory therapists, who can provide education on breathing techniques and medication administration, and potentially with physical therapists, who can assist with pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Such programs are designed to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life for COPD patients. The practice should also demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their condition and manage their symptoms effectively.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the challenges of geographical limitations and physician shortages. In the context of COPD, telemedicine can be used for several purposes. Regular follow-up appointments can be conducted virtually, allowing physicians to monitor patients' symptoms, adjust medications, and provide guidance without requiring them to travel to the clinic. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of lung function using portable devices, providing valuable data to clinicians between in-person visits.

The availability of mental health resources is also paramount. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. The chronic nature of the disease, the difficulty in breathing, and the limitations on physical activity can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A comprehensive COPD care plan must include access to mental health services. This could involve on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in working with patients with chronic illnesses. It's vital to ensure that patients have access to counseling, support groups, and, if necessary, medication management to address any mental health concerns.

Specific practices within the 17009 ZIP code will need to be assessed to determine their current telemedicine implementation. Some practices may have already adopted telemedicine platforms for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, while others may be in the early stages of implementation or not yet offering telemedicine services. The level of adoption will directly impact the accessibility of care for COPD patients, particularly those with mobility issues or who live in remote areas.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires investigation into the referral networks of the primary care practices. Do they have established relationships with mental health providers? Are there on-site mental health services available? Do they actively screen patients for mental health issues? A practice that prioritizes mental health integration into its COPD care plan demonstrates a commitment to holistic patient care.

The overall COPD Score for primary care in Burnham, PA (17009) would be determined by the combined assessment of these factors. A low score would indicate a potential shortage of physicians, limited access to specialized care, minimal telemedicine adoption, and inadequate mental health resources. Conversely, a high score would reflect a robust healthcare infrastructure with sufficient physician availability, access to specialized pulmonary care, effective telemedicine implementation, and comprehensive mental health support.

The challenges of providing comprehensive COPD care in a rural setting like Burnham necessitate innovative solutions. Practices must strive to improve physician-to-patient ratios, embrace telemedicine technologies, and integrate mental health services into their care models. The success of COPD management in the 17009 ZIP code hinges on the collective efforts of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Ultimately, the most effective way to visualize and analyze the complex healthcare landscape of Burnham, PA, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, is through a comprehensive mapping tool. CartoChrome Maps offers a powerful platform for visualizing and understanding these critical factors.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare resources available in the 17009 ZIP code and to identify potential gaps in COPD care, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization.
**Click here to explore CartoChrome Maps and discover the healthcare landscape of Burnham, PA.**