17039, Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17039, Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17039 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 17039 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 8 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17039. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,787 health care providers accessible to residents in 17039, Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the landscape of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care within ZIP Code 17039, specifically examining the availability and quality of primary care services in Kleinfeltersville, Pennsylvania. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the prominence of particular medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all critical factors in managing a chronic respiratory condition like COPD.

Kleinfeltersville, a small community within ZIP Code 17039, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower density of medical professionals compared to more urban settings. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires a detailed analysis of available primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population of Kleinfeltersville. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide population figures, while databases like the Pennsylvania Medical Society can offer lists of practicing physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, could indicate potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent care, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses.

The identification of standout primary care practices in Kleinfeltersville is crucial. This involves evaluating factors such as the providers' experience in treating COPD, their patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of specialized services like pulmonary function testing. Online review platforms, though sometimes subject to bias, can offer insights into patient experiences. Information regarding practice accreditation, such as those from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can also be indicative of quality standards. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, patient education, and comprehensive COPD management would likely be considered high-performing.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources through digital platforms can significantly improve COPD management. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Kleinfeltersville involves investigating whether they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools (like devices that track oxygen saturation or peak flow), and online patient portals for communication and access to medical records. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial aspect of COPD care. Chronic respiratory conditions can have a significant impact on mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric consultations, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This can involve having in-house mental health professionals, partnering with local mental health providers, or providing referrals to specialists. The availability of mental health support is essential for managing the psychological challenges associated with COPD and improving overall quality of life.

Specific examples within ZIP Code 17039 are difficult to ascertain without a dedicated, in-depth investigation. However, the analysis would seek to identify any primary care practices in Kleinfeltersville or the surrounding areas that are known for their expertise in COPD management. This could include practices with physicians who have specialized training in pulmonary medicine or those that participate in COPD-focused research or clinical trials. Furthermore, the analysis would explore the practices' use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD treatment, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

The availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, is also a key consideration. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in educating patients about their condition, administering breathing treatments, and providing support for managing COPD symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer structured exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their overall quality of life. The proximity and accessibility of these services within the ZIP code are important factors in determining the overall quality of COPD care.

Access to prescription medications is another critical component. The analysis would assess the proximity of pharmacies within Kleinfeltersville and the surrounding areas, as well as the availability of COPD medications, including inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. The analysis would also consider the practices' ability to assist patients with medication management, including providing education on proper inhaler technique and helping patients navigate insurance coverage and prescription assistance programs.

The overall COPD score for primary care in Kleinfeltersville would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the accessibility of ancillary services and medications. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD care, with a greater availability of resources and a higher likelihood of patients receiving comprehensive and effective treatment. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care and a need for improvements in the healthcare infrastructure.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the key findings and recommendations for improvement. This could include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding mental health services, and improving access to ancillary services and medications. This would provide a roadmap for improving the quality of COPD care in Kleinfeltersville and ensuring that patients have access to the resources they need to manage their condition effectively.

For a visual representation of this complex healthcare landscape, and to gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of medical resources within ZIP Code 17039, explore the power of data visualization.
Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the healthcare ecosystem of Kleinfeltersville and its surrounding areas.