17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.12 percent of the residents in 17832 has some form of health insurance. 52.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.84 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 17832 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17832. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,566 health care providers accessible to residents in 17832, Marion Heights, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17832 and Primary Care Availability in Marion Heights**

Assessing the quality and accessibility of healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 17832, encompassing the community of Marion Heights, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. We will explore the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in determining a COPD Score.

The foundation of good COPD care is a strong primary care network. In Marion Heights, the geographical isolation and relatively small population present unique challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD patients. Publicly available data, such as that provided by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to ascertain the precise physician-to-population ratio within the ZIP code. This data is often updated, so the most current information is crucial.

The presence of "standout practices" is another key element. These are medical practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care, particularly for chronic conditions. Identifying these practices requires evaluating several factors. Does the practice have a dedicated COPD management program? Are there certified respiratory therapists on staff? Are they utilizing evidence-based guidelines for COPD treatment and management, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)? Do they offer patient education programs, including smoking cessation support and pulmonary rehabilitation? Patient testimonials and online reviews, while not definitive, can also provide insights into the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, especially in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially mitigating the impact of mobility limitations often associated with COPD. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients’ vital signs and symptoms, allowing for early intervention and preventing exacerbations. The degree to which primary care practices in ZIP code 17832 have embraced telemedicine, and the types of services they offer through this modality, should be investigated. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth into the overall care plan.

Mental health is often overlooked in the context of COPD, but it is an essential component of overall well-being and disease management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is crucial for COPD patients. The availability of these resources within the ZIP code, and the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health providers, should be assessed. This includes investigating whether practices screen patients for mental health issues, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and provide access to support groups or other mental health services.

The COPD Score, in this context, is not a single number but a composite evaluation based on these factors. A higher score would indicate better access to care, higher quality of care, and a more comprehensive approach to COPD management. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a lack of telemedicine adoption and limited mental health resources, would contribute to a lower score. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with telemedicine adoption, access to mental health resources, and the presence of practices dedicated to COPD management, would contribute to a higher score.

Specifically, a COPD Score analysis should consider: the number of primary care physicians in the area, the number of pulmonologists, and the availability of specialists. The number of patients in the area with COPD and the prevalence of smoking are also important factors. The percentage of primary care physicians who are board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine is also a factor. The presence of patient education programs, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation programs also should be considered.

In the context of Marion Heights, the analysis should delve into the specific practices serving the community. Are there any family medicine practices that are particularly well-regarded for their COPD care? Do any of these practices utilize telemedicine for COPD management? Are there any pulmonologists in the immediate area, or do patients need to travel to larger cities for specialized care? What mental health resources are available locally, and how accessible are they to COPD patients?

To further refine the analysis, a deeper dive into specific practices is necessary. This would involve contacting the practices to gather information on their services, staffing, and patient care protocols. Publicly available data, such as Medicare data on quality measures, can also provide valuable insights. Patient feedback, obtained through surveys or focus groups, can offer a more nuanced understanding of the patient experience.

The overall assessment of the COPD Score for ZIP code 17832 would require a comprehensive data collection and analysis process. It is an ongoing process that is influenced by changes in healthcare delivery, population demographics, and the availability of resources. The results can inform strategies to improve COPD care in the area. This may involve recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, or promoting patient education and support programs.

The data and analysis described above, when visualized spatially, can be invaluable. Consider using interactive maps to understand the distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and COPD prevalence. CartoChrome maps can provide this capability.