17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 17034 has some form of health insurance. 43.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.96 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 17034 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 671 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 87 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17034. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 467 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22,571 health care providers accessible to residents in 17034, Highspire, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Highspire, PA (ZIP Code 17034)

Analyzing the availability and quality of COPD care within Highspire, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17034) requires a multi-faceted approach. A "COPD Score," while not a formal metric, will be constructed to assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage COPD patients, and the supporting resources available within the community. This analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive COPD management.

Highspire, a small borough, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Its size and population density influence the accessibility of healthcare services. The proximity to larger urban centers like Harrisburg potentially expands access, but also introduces competition for resources. The analysis will endeavor to paint a clear picture of the current state of COPD care within this specific geographic area.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of PCPs practicing within the 17034 ZIP code is paramount. Publicly available databases like the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Physician Licensing System, coupled with information from insurance providers, will be necessary to establish this baseline. Once the number of PCPs is known, it must be compared to the estimated population of Highspire. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient.

The prevalence of COPD within the community is another vital consideration. While exact figures for Highspire are difficult to obtain, national and state-level COPD prevalence rates can be used as a proxy. These rates, combined with the physician-to-patient ratio, help determine the potential burden on existing healthcare resources. If the prevalence is high and the physician-to-patient ratio is low, it suggests a potential strain on the system and the need for increased resources.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive. This involves researching practices that specialize in pulmonary care or have a demonstrated commitment to managing chronic respiratory conditions. This can be achieved by examining practice websites, reading patient reviews, and consulting with local healthcare professionals. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists, or PCPs with specialized training in COPD management, significantly elevates the quality of care.

Specifically, the analysis must look for practices that offer comprehensive COPD management programs. These programs typically include spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation, medication management, and patient education. The availability of these services within the local area is a strong indicator of the quality of care. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to COPD management are also noteworthy, as they often represent a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management through telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The analysis will examine which practices in 17034 have embraced telemedicine and the scope of services offered through this technology. This includes assessing the availability of virtual follow-up appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within Highspire and the extent to which these services are integrated into COPD care. This includes identifying mental health professionals who specialize in treating patients with chronic respiratory conditions and assessing the availability of support groups and counseling services.

The integration of mental health services into COPD care can be assessed by examining the collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals. This includes determining whether practices have established referral pathways for patients needing mental health support and whether they offer integrated care models that combine physical and mental health services.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another key element. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that helps patients with COPD improve their quality of life. It typically includes exercise training, education, and support. The analysis will identify the location of pulmonary rehabilitation programs within Highspire and assess their accessibility and the range of services offered.

The availability of patient education materials is also important. Patients with COPD need to understand their condition and how to manage it effectively. The analysis will investigate the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, websites, and support groups. This includes assessing the availability of educational resources in multiple languages, if applicable, to ensure that all patients can access the information they need.

The analysis will also consider the accessibility of pharmacies and respiratory therapists within the 17034 ZIP code. Convenient access to medication and respiratory therapy services is essential for effective COPD management. This includes assessing the proximity of pharmacies to patients' homes, the availability of respiratory therapists for home visits, and the ability of pharmacies to provide medication refills and other services.

Finally, the "COPD Score" for Highspire will be a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed above. It will reflect the overall availability, quality, and accessibility of COPD care within the community. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in their efforts to improve COPD care within Highspire.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Highspire and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of other essential services, offering a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape.