17352, New Park, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17352, New Park, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.11 percent of the residents in 17352 has some form of health insurance. 30.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.06 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 17352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 468 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17352. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 254 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,693 health care providers accessible to residents in 17352, New Park, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in New Park, PA (ZIP Code 17352)

Analyzing the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 17352, encompassing New Park, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage COPD patients, and the supporting resources available, culminating in a "COPD Score" assessment. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of COPD-related care in the area.

The foundation of COPD management rests on accessible primary care. In New Park, the physician-to-patient ratio plays a critical role. This ratio, reflecting the number of residents per PCP, directly impacts appointment availability and the time a physician can dedicate to each patient. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, often translates to longer wait times and potentially less comprehensive care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio for 17352 is the initial step. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with physician directories, provides a baseline understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond sheer numbers, the expertise and resources of the existing PCPs are paramount. Do these physicians have experience in managing COPD? Are they board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, indicating specialized training? Investigating the credentials and specializations of each PCP is crucial. Furthermore, assessing the availability of diagnostic tools within these practices, such as spirometry (a test to measure lung function), is essential. The presence of these tools directly impacts the ability to diagnose and monitor COPD effectively.

Standout practices in New Park, if any, deserve special attention. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their commitment to COPD education, or their proactive management of the disease. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient testimonials, online reviews, and potentially interviews with local healthcare professionals. Practices that actively participate in COPD awareness programs or offer specialized COPD clinics would likely score higher.

Telemedicine adoption presents another critical factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Does the PCP in 17352 offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments or medication management? The ability to remotely monitor patients' conditions and provide timely interventions can greatly enhance COPD management.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists or counselors, within the local healthcare system is therefore crucial. Does the PCP's practice offer integrated mental health services, or are there readily available referrals to mental health professionals in the area? A comprehensive COPD Score considers the availability of these supportive services.

The COPD Score itself is a composite metric. It is a rating derived from the assessment of several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key component. A lower ratio (fewer patients per doctor) contributes positively to the score. The qualifications and experience of the PCPs also play a role. Board-certified physicians with experience in COPD management contribute to a higher score. The availability of diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is another factor. Practices equipped with these tools score higher. The adoption of telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, significantly boosts the score. Finally, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component. Practices with integrated mental health services or readily available referrals contribute positively to the overall COPD Score.

The specific methodology for calculating the score would involve assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the availability of patient education materials. The final score would then be a numerical representation of the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in New Park.

The assessment of primary care availability in New Park is also crucial. This includes not only the number of PCPs but also their willingness to accept new patients, particularly those with chronic conditions like COPD. Are there any practices actively recruiting new patients? Are there any barriers to access, such as long wait times or limited insurance acceptance? These factors are considered when evaluating primary care availability.

In summary, the COPD Score for New Park, PA (ZIP code 17352) reflects the overall quality and accessibility of COPD-related care. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the qualifications and resources of local PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive assessment offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing COPD. Further detailed research, including direct contact with local healthcare providers and patient interviews, would refine this initial analysis.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in New Park, PA, consider exploring the power of geographic visualization.
**Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of physicians, healthcare resources, and demographic data related to COPD in the area.**