17307, Biglerville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17307, Biglerville, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.95 percent of the residents in 17307 has some form of health insurance. 43.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.33 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 17307 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,196 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17307. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,404 health care providers accessible to residents in 17307, Biglerville, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing the landscape of COPD care in Biglerville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17307), requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating both the availability of primary care physicians and their ability to effectively manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This analysis aims to provide a COPD score, albeit an informal one, by examining key factors influencing patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The aim is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially compromised continuity of care. Unfortunately, precise physician-to-patient ratios for Biglerville are difficult to ascertain definitively without direct access to proprietary data. However, publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, can provide estimates based on county-level information. Adams County, where Biglerville is located, may face challenges in terms of physician availability, particularly in rural areas. This potential scarcity can place a significant burden on existing primary care physicians, impacting their ability to provide comprehensive COPD management.

Identifying standout practices within Biglerville and the surrounding area requires investigation into their specific approaches to COPD care. This includes evaluating the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, the availability of pulmonary function testing (spirometry), and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in self-management strategies, such as smoking cessation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation, are likely to achieve better outcomes. A practice that prioritizes comprehensive care, including regular follow-up appointments, medication management, and prompt intervention for exacerbations, would score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve COPD care, especially in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and providing convenient access to care. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in Biglerville is a key factor to consider. Practices that utilize telemedicine for medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education are likely to be more accessible and responsive to patient needs. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, further enhances the ability to provide proactive care.

Mental health resources are a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of COPD management. The chronic nature of COPD can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health services is essential for holistic patient care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the Biglerville area is an important indicator. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their COPD care programs are likely to provide more comprehensive support for their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists is critical for addressing the psychological challenges associated with COPD.

Evaluating these factors allows for a qualitative assessment of the COPD care landscape in Biglerville. Without access to granular data, a precise numerical score is impossible. However, a general assessment can be made. If physician-to-patient ratios are high, access to care may be limited. If few practices have integrated telemedicine, access to specialists may be difficult. If mental health resources are scarce, patients may not receive the comprehensive support they need. Conversely, practices actively implementing evidence-based guidelines, embracing telemedicine, and integrating mental health services would contribute to a more favorable score.

The overall COPD score for doctors in ZIP Code 17307 would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians might be a limiting factor, and the adoption of telemedicine may vary. The integration of mental health services could also be a potential area for improvement. However, practices that prioritize patient education, medication management, and prompt intervention for exacerbations would likely provide a higher quality of care.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Biglerville and to identify specific practices that excel in COPD care, further investigation is needed. This includes contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing patient testimonials, and analyzing publicly available data on healthcare quality indicators.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and physician locations in the Biglerville area, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a powerful platform for visualizing geographical data, allowing you to explore the distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. CartoChrome can help you visualize physician locations, hospital locations, and other healthcare resources.