17264, Three Springs, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17264, Three Springs, Pennsylvania is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.12 percent of the residents in 17264 has some form of health insurance. 50.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 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 17264 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 585 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17264. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 223 health care providers accessible to residents in 17264, Three Springs, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17264 & Primary Care Availability in Three Springs

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 17264 (Three Springs, Pennsylvania) and its surrounding areas. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice features, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all crucial components for effective COPD care.

The analysis begins by assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impact access to care, especially for chronic conditions like COPD, which necessitate regular check-ups and monitoring. Data from publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical licensing boards, will be used to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the defined geographic area. Population data from the US Census Bureau will then be incorporated to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. Areas with higher ratios, reflecting a greater availability of primary care physicians, will receive a higher score in this category. Conversely, areas with lower ratios will be penalized, highlighting the potential for increased wait times and reduced access to care.

Next, the analysis evaluates the characteristics of primary care practices within ZIP code 17264. This includes examining the range of services offered, such as pulmonary function testing (PFTs), which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Practices that offer comprehensive COPD management programs, including patient education, smoking cessation support, and access to respiratory therapists, will receive higher scores. The availability of on-site pharmacies and laboratory services will also be considered, as these can improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The presence of certified COPD educators or specialists within a practice is another key factor, as these individuals can provide patients with tailored support and guidance.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the COPD Score. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and disease monitoring, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their care delivery models, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and secure messaging platforms, will be rated more favorably. The analysis will also consider the ease of access to telemedicine services, including the availability of technical support for patients and the integration of telemedicine platforms with existing electronic health records (EHRs).

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in COPD care, but they are vital for managing the psychological impact of the disease. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can negatively affect treatment adherence and overall quality of life. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, or that have established referral pathways to mental health specialists, will receive higher scores. The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources related to mental health and COPD.

The evaluation will also seek to identify standout practices in the area. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD management, patient satisfaction, and innovation. This could include practices that have implemented innovative care models, such as team-based care or chronic disease management programs. Patient reviews and testimonials will be considered, as they provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that have achieved recognition for their quality of care, such as accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), will also be highlighted.

Specific examples of practices will be used to illustrate the analysis. For instance, a practice that offers comprehensive COPD management, including PFTs, smoking cessation programs, and access to respiratory therapists, will be lauded for its commitment to providing comprehensive care. Another practice that has successfully integrated telemedicine into its care delivery model, allowing patients to access virtual appointments and remote monitoring, will be recognized for its innovation. A practice that has established strong partnerships with mental health providers, ensuring that patients have access to the support they need, will be praised for its holistic approach to care.

The analysis will also address the challenges faced by patients with COPD in the Three Springs area. This includes the potential for limited access to specialized care, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of transportation, on access to care. Strategies for addressing these challenges, such as increasing the availability of telehealth services and expanding access to community-based resources, will be discussed.

The COPD Score will be presented as a composite score, reflecting the overall quality and availability of COPD care in ZIP code 17264. The score will be calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Areas with higher scores will be considered to have better access to high-quality COPD care.

The final analysis will provide a clear and concise overview of the COPD care landscape in Three Springs. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The analysis will also offer recommendations for improving COPD care in the area, such as increasing the availability of telemedicine services, expanding access to mental health resources, and promoting the adoption of evidence-based COPD management practices.

In conclusion, this COPD Score analysis provides a detailed assessment of the primary care landscape in ZIP code 17264 and its surrounding areas. It highlights the importance of comprehensive COPD management, including access to primary care physicians, specialized services, telemedicine, and mental health resources. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, patients and providers can work together to improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals living with COPD.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in the Three Springs area, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas where improvements are needed.