17061, Millersburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17061, Millersburg, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.31 percent of the residents in 17061 has some form of health insurance. 38.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.75 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 17061 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,683 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 95 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17061. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,375 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,747 health care providers accessible to residents in 17061, Millersburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in 17061 and Primary Care in Millersburg

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code 17061, focusing on their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The assessment considers factors relevant to COPD patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The geographical focus is Millersburg, Pennsylvania.

Millersburg, a small town in Dauphin County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The aging population, a common demographic in many rural areas, necessitates a robust and accessible primary care infrastructure, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. The prevalence of COPD is often higher in areas with a history of industrial activity and smoking, further emphasizing the importance of effective primary care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 17061 requires accessing local healthcare data, which can be obtained from sources such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, county health departments, and healthcare provider directories. This data should be analyzed to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are crucial. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients’ schedules? Do they have experience treating COPD patients? Information about practice size, the presence of specialized equipment (e.g., spirometry for lung function testing), and the availability of ancillary services (e.g., respiratory therapists) contributes to a comprehensive assessment.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves researching individual physician profiles, looking at patient reviews, and assessing their adherence to established COPD management guidelines. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive disease management, and coordination with specialists (e.g., pulmonologists) should be highlighted. This could involve looking at their participation in quality improvement initiatives related to COPD care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare. For patients with COPD, telemedicine offers the potential for remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve patient access to care, particularly for those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption requires investigating which practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs, and secure messaging platforms for patient communication.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is essential. Practices that have integrated behavioral health services, or that collaborate with mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Assessing this aspect involves investigating whether practices have on-site therapists, offer mental health screenings, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists.

The quality of care is also influenced by the availability of resources. Do practices have access to the latest COPD treatment guidelines and medications? Do they offer patient education materials and support groups? Are they actively involved in community outreach programs related to COPD awareness and prevention? The answers to these questions provide insights into the commitment of local practices to providing comprehensive COPD care.

Further, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) plays a vital role. EHRs enable seamless information sharing, facilitate medication reconciliation, and support data-driven decision-making. Practices with robust EHR systems are often better equipped to manage chronic conditions like COPD. Assessing the EHR capabilities of local practices requires researching their system functionality and their ability to share information with other healthcare providers.

Finally, the overall assessment should consider the accessibility of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for COPD patients, access to pulmonologists and other specialists is crucial for complex cases. The proximity of pulmonologists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination between primary care and specialist providers are essential factors. This involves investigating the referral networks utilized by local practices and the availability of specialized care within a reasonable distance.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care in 17061 and primary care availability in Millersburg requires a multifaceted approach. This includes analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating practice characteristics, assessing telemedicine adoption, and investigating the availability of mental health resources and access to specialist care. A comprehensive analysis would help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provide recommendations for improvement.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Millersburg and surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can bring this data to life, allowing you to analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant factors.