17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.38 percent of the residents in 17760 has some form of health insurance. 40.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.64 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 17760 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17760. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 17760, North Bend, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: North Bend, PA (ZIP Code 17760)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources within the 17760 ZIP code, focusing on factors pertinent to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. COPD is a significant health concern, and access to quality primary care, including specialist referrals and mental health support, is crucial for effective patient outcomes. This analysis will also consider the adoption of telemedicine, a potentially valuable tool for managing COPD patients in rural settings.

North Bend, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in a predominantly rural area, presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. The analysis will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio can indicate a shortage of physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care and chronic disease management.

The assessment also investigates the presence of standout practices within the region. These are practices that may demonstrate excellence in COPD management, patient education, and adherence to best practices. This will include examining the availability of spirometry testing, a key diagnostic tool for COPD, and the implementation of patient education programs. The analysis will also scrutinize the availability of resources for smoking cessation, a critical component of COPD management.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural areas like North Bend. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, monitoring, and education from their homes. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in the area utilize telemedicine platforms for COPD management, including remote monitoring of vital signs and virtual follow-up appointments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic disease management, but they are integral to patient well-being. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referrals, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in North Bend is challenging due to the limited publicly available data for such a specific geographic area. However, based on publicly available data for the surrounding Clinton County, and considering the rural nature of the region, it is reasonable to assume that the physician-to-patient ratio may be higher than the national average. This suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians, which could negatively impact access to care for COPD patients. Longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty in securing timely referrals to specialists are all possible consequences.

**Standout Practices and COPD Management**

Identifying specific "standout practices" requires a deeper investigation, including direct outreach to local medical providers. However, some indicators can be assessed through publicly available information. The presence of practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can be a positive sign. Similarly, practices that offer comprehensive COPD management programs, including spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and smoking cessation support, are likely to provide a higher level of care. The availability of patient education materials, both in-person and online, is another indicator of a practice's commitment to COPD management.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Rural Healthcare**

The adoption of telemedicine in North Bend is a critical factor in addressing the challenges of providing healthcare in a rural setting. Telemedicine can help overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care from their homes. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs (such as oxygen saturation and heart rate), and virtual follow-up appointments are likely to be better equipped to manage COPD patients effectively. The availability of telehealth platforms that are integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) can further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of telemedicine services.

**Mental Health Resources and Patient Well-being**

The integration of mental health services into primary care is crucial for COPD patients. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and physical activity, can lead to significant psychological distress. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better positioned to support the holistic well-being of their patients. Access to support groups, both in-person and online, can also provide valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

**Specific Considerations for 17760**

Given the rural nature of the 17760 ZIP code, the availability of transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare. Practices that offer transportation assistance or partner with local organizations to provide transportation services can improve access to care for patients. The availability of home healthcare services is also critical, particularly for patients with advanced COPD who may have difficulty leaving their homes.

**Conclusion**

The quality of COPD care in North Bend, PA, depends on several factors, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. While a detailed analysis requires more specific data, the initial assessment suggests that addressing potential physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health services are critical priorities. The success of COPD management in this rural community depends on a collaborative approach involving primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and community organizations.

**Explore the Landscape with CartoChrome Maps**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in North Bend and surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize physician locations, healthcare facilities, and access to resources within the 17760 ZIP code and beyond. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare providers, the accessibility of services, and the potential for improving COPD care in the region.