17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.50 percent of the residents in 17252 has some form of health insurance. 31.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.28 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 17252 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,158 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17252. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 415 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,456 health care providers accessible to residents in 17252, Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Saint Thomas, PA (ZIP Code 17252)

This analysis delves into the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within the Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17252) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. The goal is to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This score, while not a precise numerical value, will represent a qualitative evaluation of the care environment for COPD patients.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible and comprehensive primary care. In Saint Thomas, the initial assessment involves understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per patient) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can offer insights into these ratios. However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of such data, as it may not fully reflect the availability of physicians accepting new patients or those specializing in respiratory conditions.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes reviewing online patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, which can offer anecdotal evidence of patient experiences. Furthermore, examining the practices' accreditations and certifications, such as those from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can indicate a commitment to evidence-based care and patient safety. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrating a focus on chronic disease management, including COPD, would score higher in this assessment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Saint Thomas. Its adoption can significantly impact COPD management. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation support, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and mitigating the challenges posed by geographical limitations. A practice with robust telemedicine capabilities, including secure video conferencing, remote monitoring devices, and electronic health record (EHR) integration, would receive a higher score. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services requires researching individual practice websites and contacting the offices directly to inquire about their offerings.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is particularly relevant in COPD management. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which can worsen their physical symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a critical component of a comprehensive COPD care model. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, collaborate with local mental health providers, or have established referral pathways for mental health services would receive a more favorable score. This assessment necessitates investigating the practice's internal resources and its partnerships with external mental health providers.

Further evaluation involves assessing the practices' commitment to patient education and self-management support. COPD patients benefit significantly from education on medication adherence, proper inhaler technique, and lifestyle modifications. Practices that provide educational materials, offer structured self-management programs, and utilize patient portals for information sharing would be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score. This assessment requires a review of the practice's educational materials and an evaluation of its patient portal features.

Another important factor is the availability of specialized respiratory care within the region. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists and respiratory therapists is crucial for patients with complex needs or those experiencing exacerbations. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialists is essential. This includes evaluating the availability of pulmonary function testing (PFT) within the primary care practices or nearby facilities.

The "COPD Score" for the Saint Thomas area would be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a healthcare environment characterized by: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality primary care practices, robust telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, a focus on patient education, and access to specialized respiratory care. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive COPD care.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. The assessment relies on publicly available information and may not capture the full complexity of the healthcare landscape. Furthermore, the "COPD Score" is a qualitative evaluation, not a precise numerical metric. The actual quality of care experienced by individual patients can vary depending on their specific needs and preferences.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Saint Thomas reveals a landscape that requires careful consideration. While the area may offer some primary care options, a thorough assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to specialized care is crucial for determining the overall quality of COPD care. A comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from various sources and direct communication with healthcare providers, is necessary for a complete understanding.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Saint Thomas, including physician locations, practice types, and proximity to specialized care facilities, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a valuable tool for visualizing healthcare resources and making informed decisions about COPD care.