17402, York, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17402, York, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.36 percent of the residents in 17402 has some form of health insurance. 33.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.06 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 17402 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,502 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17402. An estimate of 53 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,217 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,011 health care providers accessible to residents in 17402, York, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: York, PA (ZIP Code 17402)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care within ZIP code 17402, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all critical factors influencing COPD management. The goal is to offer a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in York, PA, and to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

**Primary Care Availability in York, PA**

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and quality primary care. In York, PA, primary care availability is a mixed bag. While the area benefits from several large healthcare systems, including WellSpan Health and UPMC, geographic distribution of primary care practices is uneven. Residents in the 17402 ZIP code, particularly those in more rural or less affluent areas, might face challenges in accessing timely appointments. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate disease management, and more frequent hospitalizations for COPD exacerbations.

The presence of community health centers and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) plays a crucial role in bridging the access gap, particularly for underserved populations. These centers often provide comprehensive care, including COPD screening, diagnosis, and management, on a sliding fee scale, making them invaluable resources. However, the demand for services at these centers frequently exceeds capacity, leading to longer wait times and potential barriers to consistent care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. In the 17402 ZIP code, and York County in general, the physician-to-patient ratio varies depending on specialty and geographic location. Primary care physician availability is generally adequate, but the distribution of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is a concern. This can result in longer wait times for specialist consultations, which are often necessary for advanced COPD management, including pulmonary rehabilitation and advanced therapies.

The aging population in York County, coupled with the prevalence of smoking and other risk factors, contributes to a higher-than-average incidence of COPD. This increased demand for specialized care puts additional strain on the existing specialist workforce. Strategies to address this include physician recruitment initiatives, expansion of telehealth services, and the development of collaborative care models involving primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and other healthcare professionals.

**Standout Practices**

Several primary care practices in the 17402 area stand out for their commitment to COPD care. These practices often demonstrate several key characteristics:

* **Proactive Screening:** Implementing routine COPD screening protocols, particularly for patients with a history of smoking or other risk factors.
* **Comprehensive Management:** Providing comprehensive COPD management plans, including medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and patient education.
* **Patient Education:** Offering robust patient education programs to empower patients to self-manage their condition effectively.
* **Care Coordination:** Facilitating seamless care coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.

These standout practices often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, monitor disease progression, and ensure adherence to treatment plans. They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving COPD outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for COPD management, particularly in rural or underserved areas. In York, PA, the adoption of telemedicine varies among practices. Some practices have embraced telehealth to offer virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of patients' vital signs. This can improve access to care, reduce the need for in-person visits, and enhance patient convenience.

However, challenges remain. Digital literacy among patients and healthcare providers is a factor, and ensuring equitable access to technology and reliable internet connectivity is crucial. Reimbursement policies for telehealth services also impact adoption rates. Overcoming these challenges is essential to fully realize the potential of telemedicine in COPD care.

**Mental Health Resources**

COPD often has a significant impact on mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with breathing difficulties and physical limitations, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health resources is therefore crucial for comprehensive COPD care.

The availability of mental health services in York, PA, is generally adequate, but access can be a challenge. Wait times for appointments with psychiatrists and therapists can be lengthy, and the stigma associated with mental illness can deter some patients from seeking help. Integrated care models, where mental health services are integrated into primary care settings, can improve access and reduce stigma.

**Conclusion**

The COPD care landscape in the 17402 ZIP code of York, PA, presents both strengths and weaknesses. While the presence of established healthcare systems and dedicated primary care practices is positive, challenges remain in terms of specialist availability, geographic access, and the integration of mental health services. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including physician recruitment, telehealth expansion, and the development of collaborative care models.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in York, PA, and to explore the geographic distribution of primary care practices, specialists, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and help identify areas where resources are most needed.