17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.67 percent of the residents in 17304 has some form of health insurance. 26.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.56 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 17304 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 588 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17304. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 316 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,867 health care providers accessible to residents in 17304, Aspers, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17304 and Aspers Primary Care

Analyzing the COPD landscape within ZIP code 17304 and the availability of primary care in Aspers, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. The aim is to assess the quality and accessibility of healthcare resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis considers factors beyond simple physician counts, delving into physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive COPD care.

The initial step involves establishing a baseline understanding of the demographic profile of ZIP code 17304. This area, like many rural communities, may have an older population, a significant risk factor for COPD. The prevalence of smoking history, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic factors further contribute to COPD risk. Public health data, combined with local hospital records, can provide valuable insights into the existing COPD burden within the community.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The analysis needs to identify the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and other specialists within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, as well as the estimated patient population. This data will determine the availability of healthcare professionals to meet the needs of individuals with COPD.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by local practices is a key consideration. This involves evaluating the adoption of evidence-based COPD management guidelines, including spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and medication management protocols. The analysis must identify standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality COPD care. This could involve practices with a strong track record of patient outcomes, active participation in quality improvement initiatives, and a focus on patient education and self-management strategies.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The analysis needs to identify practices that offer telehealth consultations for COPD patients. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual follow-up appointments, improving patient convenience and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine programs.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Individuals with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community and their willingness to work with COPD patients. This includes identifying practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are embedded within the primary care or pulmonary care settings.

In Aspers, a town within the broader area, the focus shifts to primary care availability. The analysis needs to determine the number of primary care physicians serving the Aspers population and the ease of access to their services. This includes assessing appointment availability, wait times, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. The analysis should also identify any barriers to accessing primary care, such as transportation limitations or language barriers.

The overall assessment of COPD care in ZIP code 17304 and primary care availability in Aspers requires a holistic perspective. It involves considering the interplay of various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. The analysis should identify any gaps in care and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

For example, a potential gap might be the limited availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are essential for improving lung function and quality of life for COPD patients. Another challenge could be the lack of integrated behavioral health services, which can exacerbate the psychological distress associated with COPD. Addressing these gaps requires collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies.

The analysis should also consider the role of community-based resources in supporting COPD patients. This includes identifying support groups, educational programs, and other resources that empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The availability of these resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of COPD on the healthcare system.

The final COPD Score would be based on a weighted average of these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in providing high-quality COPD care. The higher the score, the better the overall COPD care environment. The score would provide a valuable benchmark for tracking progress over time and identifying areas for improvement.

The analysis also needs to consider the impact of social determinants of health on COPD outcomes. Factors such as income, education, housing, and access to healthy food can significantly influence a patient's ability to manage their condition. The analysis should identify any disparities in care based on these factors and recommend strategies to address them.

In conclusion, assessing COPD care in ZIP code 17304 and primary care availability in Aspers requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach. It involves considering a wide range of factors, from physician-to-patient ratios to the availability of mental health resources and community support. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the current state of COPD care and identify opportunities to improve the health and well-being of individuals living with this chronic respiratory disease.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 17304 and Aspers, including the location of physician practices, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare services and help identify areas with limited access to care.