17830, Herndon, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17830, Herndon, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.95 percent of the residents in 17830 has some form of health insurance. 34.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.93 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 17830 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 429 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17830. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 439 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 17830, Herndon, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17830 and Primary Care in Herndon

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Herndon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17830), is crucial for understanding the support system available to individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis, framed as a "COPD Score," will assess various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the overall quality of care for COPD patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Herndon is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Researching the specific PCP-to-patient ratio within the 17830 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards can offer insights. Furthermore, examining the age and experience of the practicing physicians is important. Experienced physicians often possess a deeper understanding of COPD and its complexities.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves play a significant role. Are the practices independent, or are they part of larger healthcare systems? Affiliation with a larger system often provides access to a broader range of specialists, diagnostic tools, and resources. The availability of on-site pulmonary specialists or easy referral pathways to pulmonologists is particularly important for COPD patients. Practices with dedicated COPD management programs, including patient education, smoking cessation support, and regular monitoring, would score favorably. The existence of a dedicated COPD nurse or respiratory therapist within the practice is a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers a convenient and accessible way for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or living in rural areas, to receive care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills would receive a higher score. The ability to conduct virtual check-ups, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for COPD patients. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for managing these conditions. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks to mental health providers would be highly valued. Integration of mental health screening into routine check-ups is another positive indicator. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on coping with COPD-related emotional challenges is also beneficial.

To assess the "COPD Score," we need to identify standout practices within the 17830 ZIP code. These practices should demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This might involve: a high physician-to-patient ratio, a focus on patient education, and a proactive approach to managing exacerbations. These practices may have implemented innovative programs, such as home-based pulmonary rehabilitation or virtual support groups. Identifying these exemplary practices would provide valuable information for patients seeking quality COPD care.

Analyzing primary care availability in Herndon also requires understanding the demographics of the population. The prevalence of COPD varies based on factors like age, smoking history, and environmental exposures. Knowing the demographic profile of the 17830 ZIP code helps to tailor healthcare services to the specific needs of the community. This includes understanding the percentage of elderly residents, the prevalence of smoking, and the presence of any environmental factors that might exacerbate COPD symptoms.

The quality of care for COPD patients is also influenced by the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to durable medical equipment (DME). Practices that coordinate effectively with these services would receive a higher score. The efficiency of the referral process and the responsiveness of these ancillary providers are also important factors. The presence of a well-coordinated network of specialists and support services is essential for delivering comprehensive COPD care.

Furthermore, the accessibility of care should be considered. This includes factors like the availability of transportation options, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the practice's hours of operation. Practices that offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening and weekend hours, and that are easily accessible by public transportation would be more accommodating to patients. The ability to accommodate patients with mobility limitations is also important.

The "COPD Score" for Herndon, PA, will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape and its ability to support COPD patients. The score will reflect the availability of physicians, the characteristics of the practices, the integration of telemedicine, the access to mental health resources, and the overall quality of care. This score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement.

This analysis is a starting point. To gain a deeper understanding of the primary care landscape in Herndon, Pennsylvania, and to visualize the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the factors influencing the "COPD Score."