17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17834 has some form of health insurance. 35.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.34 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 17834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 654 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 749 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Kulpmont, PA (ZIP Code 17834)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Kulpmont, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17834) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, a crucial element in managing COPD, and assess the overall COPD score for the area, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, and the integration of telemedicine. We will also explore the availability of mental health resources, given the significant psychological impact COPD can have on patients.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible primary care. Within Kulpmont, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. This directly impacts the COPD score.

To determine a precise COPD score, we need to consider the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, along with the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide this information. However, a comprehensive analysis would necessitate data from insurance providers, hospital networks, and physician directories to accurately assess the patient load each physician carries.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the expertise of the physicians in managing COPD, their familiarity with current treatment guidelines, and their ability to coordinate care with pulmonologists and other specialists. A higher COPD score would be associated with practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management through continuing medical education, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and the use of evidence-based practices.

Identifying standout practices within Kulpmont requires further investigation. This could involve analyzing patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized equipment for COPD diagnosis and management (such as spirometry), and evaluating the practices' participation in chronic disease management programs. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide support groups, and offer comprehensive care plans would contribute positively to the overall COPD score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical aspect of COPD care, particularly in rural areas like Kulpmont. Telemedicine can improve access to care by enabling virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, would enhance the COPD score. This is especially relevant for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but their importance cannot be overstated. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within Kulpmont is a crucial component of the COPD score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being.

Furthermore, access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs significantly impacts the COPD score. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The presence of a pulmonary rehabilitation program within Kulpmont or in close proximity would positively influence the COPD score.

To generate a precise COPD score, a weighted scoring system is necessary. This system would assign points to various factors, such as physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation. The weights assigned to each factor would reflect their relative importance in managing COPD.

For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, as it directly impacts access to care. The availability of mental health resources might also receive a significant weight, given the psychological impact of COPD. Telemedicine adoption and the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs would also contribute to the overall score, although perhaps with slightly lower weights.

The final COPD score would be a numerical value, reflecting the overall quality of COPD care within Kulpmont. This score could be used to compare Kulpmont's healthcare landscape to other areas, identify areas for improvement, and inform policy decisions. The score would be dynamic, changing over time as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD score for Kulpmont, PA (ZIP Code 17834) requires a comprehensive analysis of primary care availability, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized programs. While a precise score requires detailed data collection and analysis, this framework provides a roadmap for evaluating the healthcare landscape and identifying opportunities to improve COPD management within the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in Kulpmont, including physician locations, hospital locations, and the presence of specialized services, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their detailed maps can provide a spatial understanding of healthcare access and help you navigate the healthcare landscape in your area.