17262, Spring Run, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17262, Spring Run, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.82 percent of the residents in 17262 has some form of health insurance. 28.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.74 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 17262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 170 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17262. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 120 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17262, Spring Run, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17262 and Primary Care Availability in Spring Run**

Analyzing the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care in ZIP code 17262, encompassing the Spring Run area, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, a "COPD Score" assessment, considers factors crucial to patient well-being: physician availability, practice quality, accessibility of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. It seeks to paint a comprehensive picture for residents of Spring Run, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of care for those managing COPD.

The cornerstone of effective COPD management is access to qualified primary care physicians. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially impact appointment availability and the time a doctor can dedicate to each patient. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is essential to estimate these ratios. While precise figures are dynamic and require ongoing monitoring, the data provides a baseline for understanding potential challenges. The analysis will consider the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 17262 ZIP code, comparing this to the estimated population to derive a physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio, combined with information on the prevalence of COPD within the area, will form a key component of the COPD Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. The COPD Score will incorporate an evaluation of practice characteristics. This includes examining the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT), a crucial diagnostic tool for COPD. Practices offering PFT services streamline diagnosis and monitoring, improving patient convenience. Another key factor is the adoption of evidence-based COPD management protocols. Does the practice adhere to established guidelines for medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation counseling? Information on these practices can be gleaned from practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, publicly available quality data if available. The analysis will also consider the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and the responsiveness of the practice's communication systems (phone, email, patient portal).

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in COPD management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The COPD Score will assess the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in the area. This involves determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The presence of these services can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients. The analysis will investigate practice websites, call practices directly, and review patient feedback to gauge the extent of telemedicine integration.

Mental health is inextricably linked to COPD. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its physical limitations, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the COPD Score must evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals. This assessment will consider whether practices have integrated mental health professionals (psychologists, therapists) into their teams or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Information on the availability of support groups, educational resources, and patient education materials related to mental health will also be included.

Standout practices within the 17262 ZIP code will be identified based on their performance across the key indicators. Practices that demonstrate a strong physician-to-patient ratio, offer comprehensive services, actively embrace telemedicine, and prioritize mental health integration will receive higher scores. These practices will be highlighted as exemplary models of COPD care. The analysis will also identify areas where practices may be lagging, providing insights for improvement and opportunities for collaboration.

The COPD Score is not a static measure. It is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices emerge, telemedicine technologies evolve, and best practices are refined, the COPD Score must adapt. The analysis will provide a snapshot in time, but it is intended to be a starting point for ongoing monitoring and improvement.

The goal of this analysis is to empower residents of Spring Run with information about the quality and accessibility of COPD care in their community. By providing a comprehensive assessment, the COPD Score aims to assist patients in making informed decisions about their healthcare, identifying the resources they need, and advocating for improved services. The analysis will also offer valuable insights for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where they can enhance their services and improve patient outcomes.

The creation of the COPD Score involves gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources. The process includes reviewing publicly available information, contacting healthcare practices directly, and compiling patient feedback. The analysis will be conducted with a commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and transparency. The ultimate objective is to contribute to better health outcomes for individuals living with COPD in Spring Run.

The COPD Score is designed to be a practical and useful tool. It will be presented in a clear and concise format, making it easy for patients and healthcare providers to understand. The analysis will be accompanied by recommendations for improvement, highlighting areas where resources can be enhanced and patient care can be improved. The goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of individuals living with COPD in the Spring Run area.

The COPD Score analysis is a starting point for a more in-depth understanding of COPD care in Spring Run. The information gathered and analyzed can be further visualized and explored using interactive maps. Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the location of practices, the distribution of resources, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can further enhance understanding and provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.