17851, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17851, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.23 percent of the residents in 17851 has some form of health insurance. 53.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.49 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 17851 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,241 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17851. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,696 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,349 health care providers accessible to residents in 17851, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Mount Carmel, PA (ZIP Code 17851)

Analyzing the COPD landscape within Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17851) requires a nuanced approach, considering the interplay of physician availability, primary care access, technological integration, and the often-overlooked element of mental health support. A "COPD Score," while not a formal metric, will be constructed based on these factors, providing a relative ranking of the area's ability to serve individuals managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can severely limit access to timely diagnoses, ongoing management, and specialist referrals crucial for COPD patients. In a rural area like Mount Carmel, this can be particularly challenging. Data regarding the precise physician-to-patient ratio specifically for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists within the ZIP code is essential. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data or state medical board information, would need to be consulted to determine the current availability. A high ratio would negatively impact the COPD Score.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to the COPD Score. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms. They play a vital role in early detection, symptom management, and coordinating care with specialists. The number of PCPs accepting new patients, their office hours, and the ease of scheduling appointments all contribute to the overall accessibility of care. Practices with extended hours, same-day appointments for acute exacerbations, and a demonstrated commitment to chronic disease management would be considered favorably. Conversely, long wait times, limited appointment availability, and a lack of proactive patient outreach would detract from the score.

Standout practices in the area would be those demonstrating excellence in COPD care. This includes practices with specialized equipment for pulmonary function testing, respiratory therapists on staff, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. Practices actively participating in disease management programs, offering patient education classes, and utilizing evidence-based guidelines for COPD treatment would be highly regarded. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in preventative care, such as promoting smoking cessation programs and influenza vaccinations, would be recognized for their commitment to improving patient outcomes. The existence of a pulmonologist within the ZIP code or a close proximity to a specialist would significantly improve the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual visits, remote patient monitoring of vital signs, and medication refills would be favorably ranked. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely, especially in a rural area with limited specialist availability, would be a significant advantage. A practice's willingness to embrace technology to improve patient access and convenience would positively impact the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are vitally important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial for managing these challenges. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be recognized for their holistic approach to patient care. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, would also contribute positively to the score.

The overall "COPD Score" for Mount Carmel, PA, would be a composite of these factors. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for individuals with COPD, characterized by readily available physicians, accessible primary care, proactive disease management, integrated telemedicine capabilities, and robust mental health support. A lower score would reflect the opposite, highlighting potential challenges in accessing and managing COPD care. The specific weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes and quality of life.

The analysis would need to consider the demographics of the area. Mount Carmel has a higher percentage of elderly residents, a demographic more susceptible to COPD. This demographic factor would influence the weight given to each component of the score. The presence of any local hospitals or clinics with specialized respiratory care units would also significantly impact the score.

In conclusion, a comprehensive COPD Score analysis for Mount Carmel, PA, would provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in serving individuals with COPD. This analysis would assist in identifying areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals living with COPD in the community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Mount Carmel, PA, and visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Utilizing these interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, aiding in a more comprehensive understanding of the region's healthcare resources.