17228, Harrisonville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17228, Harrisonville, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.80 percent of the residents in 17228 has some form of health insurance. 39.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.40 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 17228 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 303 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17228. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 192 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 17228, Harrisonville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of COPD care within ZIP Code 17228, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Harrisonville, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a comprehensive COPD Score assessment. This score, while not a formal metric, serves as an indicator of the overall quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within this geographical area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population, can significantly hinder access to care. COPD management relies heavily on regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation, all of which are often initiated and coordinated by PCPs. Analyzing the number of PCPs practicing in 17228 and comparing it to the total population, along with adjusting for age demographics (as COPD prevalence increases with age), provides a baseline understanding of access. Furthermore, we must consider the availability of pulmonologists, specialists specifically trained in respiratory diseases. Their presence, or lack thereof, directly impacts the ability to diagnose, treat, and manage complex COPD cases. A high ratio of patients to PCPs, coupled with a limited number of pulmonologists, would negatively impact the COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are healthcare providers demonstrating excellence in COPD care. This evaluation goes beyond simply counting the number of physicians. We need to assess factors like patient satisfaction scores, the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the utilization of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices actively involved in patient education, offering smoking cessation support, and providing access to respiratory therapists would likely receive higher marks. Analyzing patient reviews, reviewing published research, and examining practice accreditations are valuable tools. For example, a practice consistently achieving high marks on patient outcomes, particularly those related to exacerbation frequency and hospital readmission rates, would significantly boost the overall COPD Score. The existence of dedicated COPD clinics or specialized programs within a practice also contributes positively.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telehealth allows for remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The extent to which practices in 17228 have embraced telemedicine is a crucial factor. This involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (e.g., for oxygen saturation or peak flow), and the integration of telehealth platforms into the existing care workflow. Practices actively utilizing telehealth to improve patient access and reduce the burden of travel would enhance the COPD Score. The ease of access to technology and the digital literacy of the patient population also need consideration.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical in COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for holistic care. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the accessibility of mental health professionals within the community is essential. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists would contribute positively to the COPD Score. The presence of support groups specifically for COPD patients is also a significant indicator of a supportive care environment.

To arrive at a comprehensive COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 17228, we must synthesize all these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices actively implementing evidence-based care, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing quality COPD care, possibly stemming from physician shortages, limited access to specialists, a lack of telehealth options, and insufficient mental health support.

This analysis requires gathering data from various sources, including public health records, insurance claims data, patient reviews, and practice websites. The process is complex and demands meticulous attention to detail. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Harrisonville. This is a dynamic evaluation; the COPD Score should be revisited and updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment, new advancements in treatment, and evolving patient needs.

The importance of understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is paramount. Visualizing this data can provide valuable insights. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing the spatial distribution of physicians, practices, and available resources within ZIP Code 17228. By mapping physician locations, practice specialties, and the availability of various services, you can gain a clear understanding of healthcare access and identify potential areas of need. To explore these geographic insights and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the COPD care landscape in Harrisonville, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps.