17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.34 percent of the residents in 17353 has some form of health insurance. 31.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.75 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 17353 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 623 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17353. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 494 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,732 health care providers accessible to residents in 17353, Orrtanna, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Orrtanna, PA (ZIP Code 17353)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Orrtanna, PA (ZIP code 17353) and assesses the overall healthcare environment for COPD patients. The objective is to provide a 'COPD Score' analysis, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, crucial for managing this chronic condition.

The foundation of COPD management lies in accessible and quality primary care. In Orrtanna, a rural community, the availability of PCPs is a critical starting point. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and potentially local hospital systems. This information will reveal the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 17353 ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would immediately flag a potential challenge for COPD patients seeking timely access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of care are paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include: the practice's demonstrated expertise in respiratory medicine, the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the practice's adherence to national COPD treatment guidelines (e.g., those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease - GOLD). Furthermore, practices that actively participate in patient education programs and offer support groups for COPD patients would score higher. Reviewing online patient testimonials and practice ratings can also provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care delivered.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves investigating whether local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs (like oxygen saturation levels), and online patient portals for communication and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent and proactive monitoring of COPD symptoms. The availability of telemedicine services would positively influence the 'COPD Score'.

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with the physical limitations it imposes, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. This analysis needs to identify the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the 17353 ZIP code or within a reasonable travel distance. The analysis also needs to determine whether local practices collaborate with mental health providers and offer integrated care models. Access to support groups, both in-person and virtual, specifically tailored for COPD patients, also contributes to a higher score.

The 'COPD Score' itself is a composite measure derived from the weighted evaluation of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio carries significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources each contribute to the overall score, reflecting the comprehensiveness of the healthcare environment. The score would be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best) and accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The accuracy of the 'COPD Score' depends on the availability and reliability of data. Publicly available data may not always be comprehensive, and the assessment of practice quality relies on publicly accessible information, which may not fully capture the nuances of clinical practice. Furthermore, the analysis focuses primarily on the availability of resources and does not directly assess the quality of care provided by individual physicians.

The analysis will also need to consider the local hospital system. The presence of a hospital with a dedicated pulmonology department and a respiratory therapy team is crucial for managing acute COPD exacerbations. The hospital's capacity to provide intensive care services, including mechanical ventilation, is another important factor. The hospital's commitment to patient education and discharge planning also contributes to the overall quality of care.

Moreover, the analysis should explore the availability of community resources. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are essential for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life for COPD patients. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can provide patients with valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

The findings of this 'COPD Score' analysis can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients. It can highlight areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare environment for COPD patients in Orrtanna. It can also identify opportunities for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health resources.

For a visual representation of these findings and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for the visualization of complex data, providing a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Orrtanna and surrounding areas.