17731, Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17731, Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.84 percent of the residents in 17731 has some form of health insurance. 58.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.70 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 17731 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17731. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 443 health care providers accessible to residents in 17731, Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Eagles Mere & ZIP Code 17731

Analyzing the availability and quality of COPD care in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17731 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the factors influencing COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a comprehensive "COPD Score" assessment.

The 17731 ZIP code, encompassing Eagles Mere and its surrounding areas, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the region often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to more urban settings. This geographical constraint directly impacts access to primary care physicians, specialists, and ancillary services critical for effective COPD management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A critical metric for assessing healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio within the 17731 ZIP code requires analyzing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and potentially local healthcare providers. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, receiving routine check-ups, and accessing specialist consultations. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer patient outcomes. Investigating the specific specialties available, such as pulmonologists or respiratory therapists, is also crucial. The presence of these specialists significantly impacts the level of care available to COPD patients.

**Primary Care Availability in Eagles Mere:** The foundation of COPD management rests on accessible and responsive primary care. Evaluating primary care availability involves assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the overall accessibility of these practices. Factors like office hours, weekend availability, and the presence of after-hours care options are also significant. Practices with extended hours, walk-in options, or telehealth capabilities contribute to improved access and better patient adherence to treatment plans. A comprehensive assessment would involve contacting local practices, reviewing online patient reviews, and potentially conducting a survey to gauge patient experiences.

**Standout Practices:** Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors like the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, the implementation of patient education programs, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation services. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing hospital readmissions or improving medication adherence, often demonstrate a commitment to providing superior care. Furthermore, practices that actively engage with their patients through regular communication, personalized care plans, and readily available support resources are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine holds immense potential for improving COPD care in rural areas like Eagles Mere. Telehealth services can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within the 17731 ZIP code involves determining the number of practices offering telehealth options, the types of services provided (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the patient satisfaction levels with these services. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient access, reduce travel burdens, and enhance the overall efficiency of care delivery.

**Mental Health Resources:** COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the 17731 ZIP code is essential. Assessing the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, the availability of support groups, and the accessibility of mental health resources for patients with limited financial means are also crucial. Practices that prioritize mental health screening, provide referrals to mental health specialists, and offer support services for patients and their families demonstrate a holistic approach to COPD management.

**COPD Score Assessment:** Based on the above factors, a "COPD Score" can be assigned to the 17731 ZIP code. This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area. The score could be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with higher weights assigned to factors deemed more critical, such as physician-to-patient ratio and access to primary care. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing adequate COPD care, while a high score would suggest a robust healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of COPD patients.

**Specifics and Nuances:** Due to the limited information available for a real-time analysis, this assessment focuses on general principles. A real-world analysis would require accessing and analyzing specific data, including:

* **Physician Directory Data:** Identifying the number of PCPs, pulmonologists, and other specialists practicing within the 17731 ZIP code.
* **Practice Surveys:** Gathering information on appointment wait times, telemedicine adoption, and patient education programs.
* **Mental Health Resource Directory:** Identifying the availability of mental health professionals and support services.
* **Hospital Data:** Reviewing hospital readmission rates for COPD patients.
* **Patient Surveys:** Gathering feedback on patient experiences and satisfaction with care.

**Conclusion:**

The effectiveness of COPD management in Eagles Mere and the 17731 ZIP code hinges on a complex interplay of factors. While the rural setting presents challenges, the availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are critical for optimizing patient outcomes. A thorough assessment, incorporating the factors discussed above, is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve COPD care in the area.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Eagles Mere and the 17731 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available in the area, empowering both patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.