17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.18 percent of the residents in 17361 has some form of health insurance. 34.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.61 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 17361 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,259 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17361. An estimate of 54 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 15,729 health care providers accessible to residents in 17361, Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Shrewsbury, PA (ZIP Code 17361)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17361), with a specific focus on their capacity to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The assessment considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components of effective COPD management.

Shrewsbury, a borough in York County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Its population, while relatively small, is subject to the same demographic pressures as the rest of the nation, including an aging population and a rising prevalence of chronic diseases like COPD. The availability and quality of primary care, therefore, are paramount to the health and well-being of its residents.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code requires access to comprehensive, real-time data, which is often proprietary. However, publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can offer estimates for the broader York County area. These estimates, while not specific to Shrewsbury, provide a general sense of the healthcare resource availability. A careful review of HRSA data is necessary to ascertain the specific challenges and opportunities related to physician availability in the area.

Identifying standout practices within Shrewsbury is crucial. These practices often serve as models for best practices in COPD management. Factors to consider include the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with significant experience in respiratory care, the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the implementation of comprehensive COPD management programs. Practices that actively participate in patient education, provide smoking cessation support, and offer coordinated care with specialists are particularly noteworthy. Researching online reviews, consulting with local healthcare professionals, and contacting the practices directly can provide insights into their reputation and service offerings.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, has the potential to significantly improve COPD management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer more frequent check-ins, facilitate medication management, and provide timely interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires an investigation of the practices’ websites, patient portals, and communication strategies. Inquiries regarding the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital health tools are essential.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial aspect of comprehensive COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This includes the availability of in-house mental health professionals, partnerships with external mental health providers, and the implementation of screening tools for depression and anxiety. Evaluating the practices’ approach to mental health requires reviewing their patient resources, inquiring about mental health services, and assessing their referral processes.

The COPD Score for Shrewsbury, PA, is not a single numerical value. Instead, it's a composite assessment based on the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of high-quality practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A high score indicates a strong healthcare infrastructure capable of effectively managing COPD, while a low score suggests potential challenges in accessing quality care.

To improve the COPD Score, Shrewsbury needs to focus on several key areas. Increasing the number of primary care physicians, particularly those with expertise in respiratory care, is essential. Promoting the adoption of telemedicine can expand access to care and improve patient monitoring. Encouraging the integration of mental health services is vital for addressing the psychological impact of COPD. Supporting practices that implement comprehensive COPD management programs, including patient education and smoking cessation support, can lead to better patient outcomes.

The overall assessment for Shrewsbury's capacity to manage COPD requires a detailed investigation. This includes gathering data on physician availability, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the integration of mental health resources. The findings should be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of COPD care for the residents of Shrewsbury.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Shrewsbury, PA, with a specific focus on COPD management. It highlights the importance of physician availability, the role of standout practices, the potential of telemedicine, and the necessity of integrating mental health resources. The quality of life for residents with COPD can be significantly improved by addressing these critical factors.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shrewsbury and to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the advanced mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care, allowing for a more informed assessment of the COPD Score and the development of targeted interventions.