17821, Danville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17821, Danville, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.97 percent of the residents in 17821 has some form of health insurance. 31.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.28 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 17821 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,066 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17821. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,652 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,355 health care providers accessible to residents in 17821, Danville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Danville, PA (ZIP Code 17821)

This analysis delves into the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within Danville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17821), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services, as well as related resources. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem for COPD patients, considering physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. This assessment will inform patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve services, and policymakers aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare in the region.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests heavily on the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians. In Danville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time for individualized care. This analysis will attempt to ascertain the approximate physician-to-patient ratio within the 17821 ZIP code, using publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This ratio will be a significant element in our "COPD Score" assessment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. We will identify standout practices in Danville that demonstrate a commitment to COPD care. This includes evaluating practices that actively participate in COPD education programs, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFT), and adhere to established COPD guidelines. We will look for practices that have invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and employ staff trained in respiratory care. The "COPD Score" will reflect the degree to which practices in Danville provide these essential services.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. We will assess the adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in Danville. Practices that offer telemedicine services will receive a higher score, recognizing their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education will also be considered.

The psychological impact of COPD is often underestimated. Living with a chronic respiratory condition can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. We will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, within primary care practices or in the broader Danville healthcare network. The "COPD Score" will incorporate the availability of mental health support, recognizing the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of COPD patients. We will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources focused on coping with COPD.

Data collection for this analysis will involve several methods. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and hospital websites, will be used to identify primary care practices and their services. We will also examine data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other healthcare organizations to assess the quality of care provided by local practices. Where possible, we will contact practices directly to gather information on their COPD management protocols, telemedicine offerings, and mental health resources. The goal is to create a data-driven assessment that accurately reflects the reality of COPD care in Danville.

The "COPD Score" itself will be a composite measure, weighting the various factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, reflecting the accessibility of care. The availability of specialized services, such as PFTs and respiratory therapists, will also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and the presence of mental health resources will contribute to the overall score, recognizing the importance of comprehensive care. The final "COPD Score" will provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape in Danville, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of the local hospital system, Geisinger Medical Center, on COPD care in Danville. Geisinger's reputation for providing high-quality healthcare, including specialized pulmonary services, is a key factor. We will assess the extent to which Geisinger collaborates with primary care practices in Danville to provide integrated COPD care. This includes examining the availability of pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and rehabilitation programs. The hospital's commitment to research and innovation in COPD treatment will also be considered.

The geographical distribution of primary care practices within the 17821 ZIP code will be analyzed. This will help to identify areas where access to care may be limited, particularly for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The analysis will consider the proximity of practices to public transportation routes and the availability of home healthcare services. This spatial analysis will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Danville.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the findings and recommendations for improving COPD care in Danville. This may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in the Danville area.

Finally, understanding the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and patient populations is crucial for optimizing healthcare delivery. To visualize these relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Danville, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and patient demographics, providing valuable insights for improving access to care and optimizing healthcare resources.