17235, Marion, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 62.47 percent of the residents in 17235 has some form of health insurance. 44.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.25 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 17235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 275 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17235. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 157 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,531 health care providers accessible to residents in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in ZIP Code 17235 & Marion, VA

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically focusing on resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP Code 17235 and the broader context of Marion, Virginia. The goal is to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support.

ZIP Code 17235 encompasses a specific geographic area, allowing for a focused examination of healthcare access. Analyzing this area, coupled with the larger context of Marion, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients. The prevalence of COPD, a chronic respiratory illness, necessitates access to readily available and well-equipped primary care physicians (PCPs) who can provide ongoing management, medication adjustments, and referrals to specialists when needed.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 17235 and Marion is paramount. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can offer insights into the number of PCPs practicing in the area and the estimated population served. This data point forms the foundation of our COPD Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of local practices are critical. Are there practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' needs? Do they have on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD? Practices with integrated respiratory therapy services or partnerships with local pulmonologists would significantly enhance the COPD Score. This involves investigating the services offered by each practice, including their ability to manage COPD effectively.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in modern healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs would receive a higher score. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration within local practices is key to assessing their COPD Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, yet they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, either within the primary care practice or through readily available referrals, is crucial. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer or facilitate access to counseling or therapy would improve the COPD Score. This involves assessing the availability of mental health support within the local healthcare system.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 17235 and Marion, VA, will be evaluated based on these criteria. For example, practices with a higher physician-to-patient ratio, offering extended hours, integrated respiratory services, and robust telemedicine capabilities, would receive a higher COPD Score. Similarly, practices with strong mental health integration would be rated favorably. The assessment will aim to identify any standout practices that excel in COPD management and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The overall COPD Score for the area will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in relation to COPD management. This score will be a valuable tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to enhance healthcare access and quality.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps, for example, can visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, providing a spatial representation of healthcare access. By layering data on top of a map, users can easily identify areas with limited access to care, pinpoint practices with specific services, and assess the overall distribution of healthcare resources.

The availability of primary care in Marion, VA, and within ZIP Code 17235 is essential for the effective management of COPD. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare system, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The COPD Score will serve as a valuable metric for patients, providers, and policymakers, promoting improved healthcare access and quality.

To fully understand the healthcare landscape in this area, and to identify specific practices that meet your needs, we encourage you to explore the power of visual data. **Visit CartoChrome maps today to visualize the healthcare resources available in ZIP Code 17235 and Marion, VA, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of your healthcare options.**