17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.78 percent of the residents in 17260 has some form of health insurance. 65.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.78 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 17260 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 178 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17260. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 349 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 38 health care providers accessible to residents in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17260 & Primary Care in Shirleysburg**

Analyzing the quality and accessibility of healthcare for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in ZIP Code 17260, encompassing the town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and specifically focusing on primary care availability in the smaller, rural community of Shirleysburg, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will attempt to create a "COPD Score" by assessing key factors impacting patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical elements in managing this chronic respiratory illness.

The initial challenge lies in the inherent disparity between the two locales. Shippensburg, with its larger population and proximity to higher-level medical facilities, likely offers a greater density of healthcare providers compared to Shirleysburg. Shirleysburg, a significantly smaller community, is likely to face challenges related to access to care, particularly for specialized needs like COPD management. The COPD Score, therefore, will reflect this contrast, acknowledging the varying levels of resources available.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A crucial element of the COPD Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining this accurately requires data beyond publicly available sources. While general population statistics for 17260 are readily accessible, pinpointing the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing and accepting new patients requires a more granular investigation. This would involve contacting local medical practices, consulting insurance provider directories, and reviewing online physician databases.

For Shippensburg, a reasonable estimate, based on publicly available data and general knowledge of the area, might suggest a ratio that is, while not ideal, at least within a manageable range. This could mean a ratio of, for example, one PCP per 1,500-2,000 residents. However, this is a broad average. Specific areas within the ZIP code, or certain demographic groups, may experience significantly higher ratios.

In contrast, Shirleysburg likely faces a significantly less favorable ratio. Given its rural nature and smaller population, the availability of PCPs is likely limited. This could translate to a ratio of one PCP per 3,000 or more residents, or even a situation where residents must travel considerable distances to access primary care. This disparity would heavily impact the COPD Score, negatively impacting Shirleysburg's score.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing the quality of care offered by local medical facilities. This assessment considers several factors, including the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory medicine, the availability of diagnostic tools like spirometry (a key test for COPD diagnosis and monitoring), and the implementation of evidence-based COPD management guidelines.

In Shippensburg, the presence of practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, or those that have a demonstrated commitment to patient education and chronic disease management, would positively influence the COPD Score. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing hospital readmissions for COPD patients, would be considered favorably.

For Shirleysburg, identifying standout practices is more challenging. The absence of large medical centers or specialized respiratory clinics is a likely reality. The focus shifts to evaluating the quality of care provided by the existing PCPs. This would include assessing their familiarity with COPD guidelines, their ability to provide comprehensive care, and their willingness to collaborate with specialists if necessary.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in enhancing access to care, particularly for rural communities like Shirleysburg. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide access to educational resources can significantly improve COPD management.

In Shippensburg, the adoption of telemedicine technologies by local practices would positively impact the COPD Score. This includes the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and online patient portals. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their standard workflow would be considered more favorably.

For Shirleysburg, telemedicine adoption is even more crucial. It can bridge the geographical gap and provide access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The ability of PCPs to utilize telemedicine platforms for consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education would be a key factor in improving the COPD Score for Shirleysburg.

**Mental Health Resources:**

COPD is a chronic illness that often leads to mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care.

In Shippensburg, the presence of mental health providers, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external specialists, would positively impact the COPD Score. Access to support groups, educational resources, and mental health services would be considered favorably.

For Shirleysburg, the availability of mental health resources is likely to be limited. This would negatively impact the COPD Score. The ability of PCPs to screen for mental health issues, provide basic counseling, and facilitate referrals to external mental health providers, even if those providers are located outside of Shirleysburg, would be crucial.

**Overall COPD Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the above analysis, a preliminary COPD Score would likely reflect a disparity between Shippensburg and Shirleysburg. Shippensburg would likely receive a higher score due to its greater density of healthcare providers, the potential for more advanced medical resources, and the likely availability of telemedicine and mental health services. Shirleysburg would likely receive a lower score, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare access, including limited physician availability, potential travel distances, and fewer specialized resources.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the specific healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17260, particularly for rural communities like Shirleysburg. A more comprehensive assessment would require detailed data collection, including direct contact with local healthcare providers, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and access to care within ZIP Code 17260 and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more informed assessment of COPD care accessibility.