17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 17044 has some form of health insurance. 44.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.16 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 17044 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,476 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17044. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,943 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17044, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses COPD care within ZIP code 17044, focusing on primary care availability in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for utilizing CartoChrome maps.

Lewistown, nestled in Mifflin County, faces the challenges of rural healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor in managing chronic conditions like COPD. A robust primary care infrastructure is essential for early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and effective treatment. This is particularly vital in a community where access to specialized pulmonology services might be limited, potentially creating a reliance on primary care providers for COPD management.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Lewistown is the first step. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on existing primary care physicians. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decrease in the quality of care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide insights into the current physician-to-population ratio within the 17044 ZIP code and the surrounding county. This data is crucial for understanding the accessibility of primary care.

Identifying standout primary care practices within Lewistown is another key component of the analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management, through specialized training, advanced diagnostic tools, and patient education programs, should be highlighted. These practices might employ certified respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, or actively participate in COPD-focused quality improvement initiatives. Researching patient reviews, practice websites, and professional directories can help identify these exemplary practices. They could serve as models for other providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate remote monitoring of COPD symptoms. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD management protocols should be recognized. This includes practices that offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring using wearable devices, and educational resources delivered online. Investigating the availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices of Lewistown is essential.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, should be given special consideration. This could include partnerships with mental health professionals, screening for depression and anxiety, and providing patient education on coping mechanisms.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of ancillary services. Access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation programs, and home healthcare services are crucial for comprehensive COPD management. The presence of these services within the Lewistown community, or readily accessible through referrals, will significantly impact the overall COPD score. The proximity of a hospital with a dedicated respiratory therapy department is also a positive factor.

The COPD score is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the current state of COPD care in Lewistown. The score can be improved by addressing identified deficiencies, implementing best practices, and advocating for increased resources. Regularly updating the score, based on new data and developments, is essential for tracking progress and identifying areas for continued improvement.

Specific examples of practices that might score well could include those that actively participate in the COPD Foundation's initiatives, such as the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (PPRN). Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track COPD-related data, such as exacerbation rates and medication adherence, would also be favored. Those that offer patient education materials in multiple formats, including written materials, videos, and online resources, are also likely to score higher.

Conversely, practices that lack these elements, such as those with limited access to specialized equipment, minimal telemedicine integration, or a lack of mental health support, would likely receive lower scores. The analysis should strive for a balanced assessment, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses.

The final COPD score will be a reflection of the collective efforts of the healthcare providers in Lewistown, the resources available to patients, and the overall commitment to improving the quality of care for individuals living with COPD. The score provides a valuable benchmark for future improvements.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of specialized services related to COPD care in the 17044 ZIP code and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent the data, highlighting areas of high and low access to care, and provide valuable insights for patients, providers, and policymakers.