17037, Ickesburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17037, Ickesburg, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 59.24 percent of the residents in 17037 has some form of health insurance. 22.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.74 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 17037 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 312 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17037. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 129 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,837 health care providers accessible to residents in 17037, Ickesburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17037 & Primary Care in Ickesburg

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically focusing on their capacity to address Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 17037 and the surrounding rural community of Ickesburg, Pennsylvania. Evaluating the "COPD Score" involves assessing several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized COPD care, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management.

ZIP code 17037, encompassing the town of Duncannon and its surrounding areas, presents a unique challenge. Being a rural community, it likely faces the common issues of physician shortages and limited access to specialized medical services. This geographic isolation can significantly impact COPD patients, who require consistent monitoring and management to maintain their quality of life. The COPD Score, therefore, will reflect the degree to which these challenges are mitigated.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. In areas with a low ratio, patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship, all detrimental to COPD management. A high ratio, on the other hand, suggests potentially more accessible care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate these ratios. However, this data often doesn't account for specialists in pulmonary care, which are essential for complex COPD cases.

The presence of primary care practices with a demonstrable focus on COPD management is another key factor. This includes practices that actively screen for COPD, offer spirometry testing (a crucial diagnostic tool), and provide patient education on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation. Identifying these standout practices requires a deep dive into the practices' websites, patient reviews, and potentially, direct contact to assess their COPD-specific services.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient accessibility and proactive disease management. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration involves looking at the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for COPD patients. The chronic nature of COPD, the physical limitations it imposes, and the potential for exacerbations can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will score higher on the COPD Score. This includes evaluating the availability of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and the use of screening tools for mental health conditions.

Primary care availability in Ickesburg, located just north of Duncannon, further complicates the landscape. Ickesburg, being even more rural, likely faces even greater challenges in accessing primary care. The COPD Score must consider the availability of primary care physicians within a reasonable driving distance, the presence of mobile medical units, and the potential for collaboration between primary care practices in different communities to share resources and expertise.

To determine the COPD Score, a weighted scoring system is needed. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, specialized COPD care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted at 20%, while the availability of mental health resources might be weighted at 15%. Each practice or community is then assessed on each factor, and a score is assigned based on their performance. The final COPD Score is the sum of the weighted scores.

Specific examples of standout practices within or serving ZIP code 17037 would be valuable. This would require a thorough investigation. Ideally, practices that actively participate in COPD research, offer comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or have received recognition for their COPD care would be highlighted. The absence of such practices would negatively impact the overall COPD Score.

The analysis must also consider the impact of socio-economic factors. Lower-income populations may face greater barriers to accessing healthcare, including transportation challenges, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthy food options. These factors can worsen COPD symptoms and make disease management more difficult. Therefore, the COPD Score should also consider the presence of social support services and community health initiatives that address these socio-economic disparities.

The analysis should also include a consideration of the local hospital systems. The proximity of hospitals with specialized pulmonary care units and the availability of emergency services are critical for managing COPD exacerbations. The COPD Score would need to evaluate the quality and accessibility of these services.

The final COPD Score for the region will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care infrastructure in addressing the needs of COPD patients. The score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement. It can also be used to advocate for increased resources and support for COPD patients in the community.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17037 and Ickesburg, including detailed maps of physician locations, healthcare facility proximity, and socio-economic data, explore the advanced mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome.