17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.38 percent of the residents in 17237 has some form of health insurance. 25.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.32 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 17237 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17237. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 241 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,629 health care providers accessible to residents in 17237, Mont Alto, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Mont Alto, PA (ZIP Code 17237)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, particularly for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within Mont Alto, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17237) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the landscape of physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, culminating in a "COPD Score" assessment. This score, while not a formal medical grading, provides a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any COPD management strategy rests on accessible primary care physicians. ZIP Code 17237, encompassing the borough of Mont Alto and surrounding areas, presents a unique demographic profile. While specific physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain precisely without proprietary datasets, publicly available information suggests a potential challenge. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower density of physicians compared to more urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients, both of which can significantly impact the timely management of COPD exacerbations.

The quality of care is not solely determined by the number of physicians but also by the characteristics of the practices themselves. Several factors are crucial in assessing the COPD-friendliness of a practice. Does the practice offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site? Are there dedicated respiratory therapists available to provide patient education and support? Are the physicians well-versed in the latest COPD treatment guidelines, including inhaled medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation? The presence of these elements significantly elevates a practice's COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 17237 requires careful investigation. Practices that actively participate in chronic disease management programs, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data tracking, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are likely to perform well. Furthermore, practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals often have access to more specialized resources, such as pulmonary specialists and respiratory therapy departments, which can enhance the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within ZIP Code 17237 significantly impacts the COPD Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient education, demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and proactive disease management. This allows for more frequent check-ins, earlier intervention in case of exacerbations, and reduced travel burdens for patients. The availability of telehealth services directly influences the patient's ability to manage their COPD effectively.

The often-overlooked component of COPD management is mental health. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive a higher COPD Score. Addressing the psychological aspects of COPD is essential for holistic patient care and improved outcomes.

Evaluating the overall COPD Score for Mont Alto (ZIP Code 17237) involves weighing these factors. The score is not a single number but a composite assessment. The availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of their practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the final evaluation. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with greater access to quality care and support. A lower score suggests potential challenges, such as limited physician availability, lack of specialized resources, and inadequate access to mental health services.

Specifically, in Mont Alto, the COPD Score is likely to be influenced by the rural setting. The limited number of primary care providers could be a significant factor. The presence of practices that are part of larger healthcare systems could be a positive aspect, offering access to more resources. The adoption of telemedicine is also a key factor, and those practices that are utilizing telehealth services will be more highly rated. Finally, the availability of mental health resources will play a significant role in the overall score.

The COPD Score analysis is dynamic. It is subject to change as healthcare practices evolve, telemedicine adoption increases, and mental health resources become more readily available. Regular assessments are necessary to ensure that patients have access to the best possible care. This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed, data-driven assessment is often required. For this, consider exploring the advanced mapping and data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, identify underserved areas, and visualize the availability of specific resources, ultimately providing a more granular and actionable understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mont Alto and beyond.