17075, Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17075, Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.29 percent of the residents in 17075 has some form of health insurance. 37.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.26 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 17075 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17075. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 101 health care providers accessible to residents in 17075, Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Newton Hamilton, PA (ZIP Code 17075)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients within the Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17075) area. The focus is on primary care physician (PCP) access, a critical factor in managing COPD, and other related resources. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive COPD care.

Newton Hamilton, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. Population density is a significant factor influencing the number of available physicians. A low population density can result in a smaller pool of PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients. This, in turn, can hinder the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and consistent care, a cornerstone of disease management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. While specific data for ZIP Code 17075 is difficult to obtain due to data privacy restrictions, we can infer a general trend. If the area has a lower-than-average physician-to-patient ratio compared to state or national averages, it suggests a potential shortage of PCPs. This shortage would likely exacerbate the challenges faced by COPD patients, who require frequent check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Identifying "standout practices" requires examining the quality of care provided by existing medical facilities. This involves researching practices with a proven track record in COPD management. Factors to consider include the number of board-certified pulmonologists, the availability of specialized equipment like spirometry machines for lung function testing, and the presence of respiratory therapists. Practices that actively participate in COPD education programs for patients and offer smoking cessation support would also be considered highly valuable.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. For COPD patients, this can be particularly beneficial, especially during exacerbations or for routine follow-up appointments. The analysis would assess the availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and the use of telehealth platforms for medication management.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A comprehensive COPD care model should include access to mental health professionals. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health services in the area, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The proximity and accessibility of these resources are essential for providing holistic care.

The presence of specialized pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another critical factor. These programs offer structured exercise, education, and support to help COPD patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. The analysis would assess the availability of such programs within a reasonable distance of Newton Hamilton.

Specific data points on individual practices are difficult to obtain without a comprehensive, local investigation. However, a hypothetical example of a standout practice might be one that boasts a board-certified pulmonologist, offers on-site pulmonary rehabilitation, and actively promotes telemedicine consultations. This practice would likely have a higher COPD Score compared to a practice with limited resources and a less comprehensive approach to care.

Conversely, a practice with a limited number of PCPs, no specialized equipment, and no telemedicine options would likely receive a lower score. This practice might struggle to provide the comprehensive care needed by COPD patients, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

The overall "COPD Score" for Newton Hamilton would be a composite of these factors. The higher the physician-to-patient ratio, the greater the availability of specialized equipment, the more robust the telemedicine options, and the more accessible the mental health resources, the higher the score. This score would reflect the overall capacity of the community to support COPD patients effectively.

The analysis underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to COPD care. It highlights the need for sufficient PCP availability, access to specialized pulmonary services, and the integration of mental health support. Telemedicine can play a crucial role in overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to care, especially in rural settings like Newton Hamilton.

This assessment, while hypothetical in nature due to data limitations, provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities in COPD care within a specific geographic area. It emphasizes the need for a detailed, localized investigation to fully understand the landscape of healthcare resources available to the community.

For a more detailed and data-driven analysis of healthcare access and resources in Newton Hamilton, PA (ZIP Code 17075), including physician locations, practice specialties, and the availability of various services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their platform offers a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing for a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution within the community.