17748, Mc Elhattan, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17748, Mc Elhattan, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.52 percent of the residents in 17748 has some form of health insurance. 57.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.38 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 17748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 25 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17748. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 43 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,025 health care providers accessible to residents in 17748, Mc Elhattan, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17748 & Primary Care Availability in McElhattan

Analyzing the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP Code 17748 and its surrounding area, specifically focusing on the community of McElhattan, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, designed to generate a "COPD Score," considers several crucial factors, including physician density, access to primary care, adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the management and quality of life for individuals suffering from COPD.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and a potential decline in the overall quality of care. In 17748, which is a rural area, this ratio is likely to be a concern. Examining the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and other specialists within the ZIP code and its immediate vicinity is essential. This information, ideally, should be compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative adequacy of the physician workforce. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be crucial sources for this initial assessment. The availability of pulmonologists, in particular, is critical, as they are the specialists most equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage COPD.

Primary care availability in McElhattan is a crucial component of the COPD Score. Since many COPD patients are older and may have limited mobility, convenient access to PCPs is paramount. The presence of a local clinic or the proximity to practices in nearby towns like Lock Haven, is a significant factor. Assessing the number of primary care providers accepting new patients, their hours of operation, and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments is also important. This information directly impacts a patient's ability to manage their COPD effectively, especially during exacerbations. Furthermore, the presence of home health services, which can provide in-home care and monitoring, is a valuable asset for COPD patients in a rural setting.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive. This involves analyzing patient reviews, examining the types of services offered, and assessing the availability of COPD-specific programs. Practices that offer comprehensive COPD management programs, including pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation support, and patient education, should be given a higher rating. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a critical factor. EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, allow for more efficient care coordination, and improve the ability to track patient progress and outcomes. Researching the accreditations of local hospitals and clinics, such as those from the Joint Commission or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, which can reduce travel time and improve access to specialists. The availability of telehealth consultations with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists can significantly benefit COPD patients. Assessing the number of practices offering telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of the technology is crucial. This includes considering the availability of reliable internet access in the area, as this is a prerequisite for effective telehealth implementation.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources is critical for COPD patients. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which can significantly impact quality of life and disease management. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the area is important. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable emotional support and coping strategies. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices is a positive sign, as it allows for a more holistic approach to patient care.

To generate a COPD Score, each of these factors would be weighted and scored based on available data. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio would receive a lower score, while the presence of a comprehensive COPD management program would receive a higher score. The availability of telemedicine and mental health resources would also contribute to the overall score. The final score would provide a quantifiable measure of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area.

Ultimately, the COPD Score is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Factors like insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and patient demographics can also influence access to care. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the COPD Score accurately reflects the current state of care and to identify areas for improvement. This type of analysis should be updated regularly to track changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and other relevant factors.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17748 and McElhattan, including physician locations, clinic availability, and access to resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing quality COPD care in the area.