17219, Doylesburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17219, Doylesburg, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.77 percent of the residents in 17219 has some form of health insurance. 58.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.78 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 17219 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 114 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17219. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 163 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,688 health care providers accessible to residents in 17219, Doylesburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17219 and Primary Care in Doylesburg

Analyzing the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 17219 (Chambersburg, PA) and the primary care landscape in the nearby, more rural community of Doylesburg offers a complex picture. This analysis will attempt to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician access, technological integration, and mental health support. We will not provide a numerical score, but rather a qualitative assessment based on available data and general industry knowledge.

Chambersburg, as the larger population center, likely presents a more diverse healthcare ecosystem than Doylesburg. The presence of a regional hospital, such as WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, is a significant advantage. Hospitals typically house pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, essential specialists for COPD diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. However, the mere presence of specialists doesn’t guarantee accessibility. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced time for patient education – all detrimental to COPD care. Publicly available data on physician-to-population ratios, ideally broken down by specialty (pulmonology, primary care), is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

Beyond physician numbers, the quality of primary care in Doylesburg is a key consideration. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms. Their ability to recognize early signs of COPD, initiate appropriate diagnostic testing (spirometry, chest X-rays), and coordinate care with specialists is paramount. The availability of PCPs in Doylesburg, therefore, directly impacts the timeliness of COPD diagnoses and treatment. The distance patients must travel to access primary care also affects the score. Longer travel times create barriers to accessing care, especially for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Telemedicine adoption significantly impacts the COPD Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources, can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices within 17219 that actively utilize telemedicine platforms for COPD management would receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual follow-up appointments, providing remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and delivering educational materials online. The availability of these services in Doylesburg, even through outreach programs from Chambersburg-based practices, is a positive factor.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, but are vitally important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the healthcare system, or through readily accessible referral networks, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their COPD management plans, or that have strong referral pathways to mental health providers, would contribute positively to the overall score. This is especially important in Doylesburg, where access to mental health services might be more limited.

Standout practices within 17219 would demonstrate a comprehensive approach to COPD care. This includes offering:

* **Multidisciplinary teams:** Pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and potentially physical therapists and dietitians working collaboratively.
* **Patient education programs:** Classes on disease management, medication adherence, breathing techniques, and smoking cessation.
* **Access to pulmonary rehabilitation:** Supervised exercise programs to improve lung function and overall fitness.
* **Integration of technology:** Telemedicine, remote monitoring, and electronic health records that facilitate communication and care coordination.
* **Strong relationships with specialists:** Clear referral pathways to cardiologists, gastroenterologists (for GERD management), and other relevant specialists.

The presence of these elements would significantly elevate the practice's contribution to the COPD Score.

In Doylesburg, even the presence of a single primary care practice that prioritizes COPD management can significantly impact the score. This practice would need to demonstrate:

* **Proactive screening:** Implementing spirometry and other diagnostic tests for patients with respiratory symptoms.
* **Patient education:** Providing information about COPD, its management, and available resources.
* **Strong referral network:** Connecting patients with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists in Chambersburg or other nearby areas.
* **Telemedicine capabilities:** Even if limited, the ability to offer virtual consultations or remote monitoring would be beneficial.

The overall COPD Score is a complex assessment, influenced by multiple factors. The availability of specialists, physician-to-patient ratios, the integration of technology, the presence of mental health support, and the quality of primary care all play a crucial role. While this analysis provides a general framework, a more detailed assessment would require access to specific data on physician numbers, practice characteristics, and patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of healthcare access, physician distribution, and potential areas for improvement in COPD care within ZIP code 17219 and the surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually depict healthcare resources, demographic data, and other relevant information, providing a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas where resources may be needed.