17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.19 percent of the residents in 17066 has some form of health insurance. 51.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.88 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 17066 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,207 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17066. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,009 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 55 health care providers accessible to residents in 17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17066 & Primary Care Availability in Mount Union

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 17066, focusing on their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The assessment also considers the broader healthcare landscape of Mount Union, Pennsylvania, examining factors that directly impact COPD patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare environment for individuals living with or at risk of developing COPD.

ZIP code 17066, encompassing Mount Union and surrounding areas, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the region often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to more urban settings. This scarcity can significantly impact access to timely and comprehensive care, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD, which require ongoing monitoring and management. The aging population in many rural areas further exacerbates this issue, as COPD prevalence tends to increase with age.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial for understanding the potential burden on primary care physicians in Mount Union. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a less thorough approach to COPD management. Ideally, a sufficient number of primary care physicians should be available to adequately serve the population, allowing for proactive screening, early diagnosis, and consistent follow-up care, all critical components of effective COPD management. Public health data, combined with local physician directories, can provide insights into these ratios, helping to quantify the accessibility of primary care.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 17066 is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD care often exhibit specific characteristics. These may include a dedicated focus on pulmonary health, employing nurses or respiratory therapists specializing in COPD, and utilizing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Practices that actively participate in COPD education programs for patients and families, offering support groups or educational materials, are also highly valuable. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data sharing and coordination of care across specialists is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to quality.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve COPD care in rural areas like Mount Union. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to regular check-ups, medication management, and respiratory therapy consultations. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially those with the capacity for remote monitoring of pulmonary function and symptom tracking, are particularly well-suited to support COPD patients. The availability of reliable internet connectivity is, of course, a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health support is critical for COPD patients. Living with COPD can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that recognize and address these mental health needs are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This may involve integrating mental health screenings into routine visits, providing referrals to mental health professionals, or offering on-site counseling services. The ability to coordinate care between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health specialists is vital for holistic patient management.

Specific data on the availability of primary care physicians in ZIP code 17066, including their specialties and the number of patients they serve, would provide a more definitive picture. Information on the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health services within these practices would further refine the assessment. Identifying practices that actively participate in COPD-specific quality improvement initiatives and patient education programs would also be beneficial.

The healthcare landscape in Mount Union, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges related to resource allocation and access to specialized care. The availability of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists is a critical factor in managing COPD. The presence of a local hospital or clinic with a dedicated pulmonary department can significantly improve the quality of care. The ability to quickly access diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests and chest imaging, is also essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluating the degree of collaboration among healthcare providers is also important. Effective COPD management often requires a team approach, involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Practices that actively participate in care coordination efforts, such as shared care plans and regular communication, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care.

The overall COPD Score for doctors in ZIP code 17066 and primary care availability in Mount Union is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the quality and accessibility of care. While a definitive score requires detailed data collection and analysis, the factors discussed provide a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare environment.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mount Union and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data points, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare resources and identifying potential areas for improvement.