17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.41 percent of the residents in 17872 has some form of health insurance. 55.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.39 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 17872 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,135 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 38 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17872. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,549 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the quality of COPD care and primary care accessibility within the 17872 ZIP code, encompassing Shamokin, Pennsylvania, a region known for its history of coal mining and associated respiratory health challenges. This assessment considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing COPD effectively.

Assessing the landscape of COPD care in Shamokin requires understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management, and increased hospitalizations for COPD patients. While precise physician counts are dynamic and publicly available data can lag, it is essential to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing within the 17872 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This number must be compared to the estimated population, particularly the segment over 65, as this demographic is disproportionately affected by COPD. A ratio lower than the national average might signal a need for initiatives to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

The characteristics of primary care practices in Shamokin are vital. The presence of dedicated respiratory therapists, certified asthma educators, and readily available pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities are crucial for comprehensive COPD management. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer smoking cessation programs, and proactively monitor patients’ lung function are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. Conversely, practices lacking these resources may struggle to provide the level of care necessary to control COPD symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to enhance COPD care in Shamokin. Telehealth consultations can improve access to specialists, particularly pulmonologists, who may be in short supply locally. Remote monitoring of vital signs, such as oxygen saturation and heart rate, can enable early detection of exacerbations, allowing for prompt intervention and potentially reducing hospital readmissions. Practices actively embracing telemedicine technologies are likely to provide more proactive and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas.

The integration of mental health resources into COPD care is equally important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of COPD patients. Access to counseling, support groups, and pharmacological interventions can improve patients' quality of life and their ability to manage their condition effectively.

Identifying standout practices within the 17872 ZIP code requires evaluating their commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This involves assessing their adherence to established COPD guidelines, their patient satisfaction scores, and their success in reducing hospital readmission rates. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, prioritize preventative care, and actively engage patients in their own care are likely to be considered leaders in the community. These practices can serve as models for others, fostering a culture of excellence in COPD management.

The availability of mental health services in Shamokin is another critical factor. The prevalence of COPD often correlates with increased rates of depression and anxiety. The presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and access to psychiatric care are vital. Assessing the number of mental health professionals per capita, the availability of mental health clinics, and the accessibility of these services for COPD patients are all essential considerations. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices can significantly improve the overall well-being of patients.

Assessing primary care availability in Shamokin requires a comprehensive approach. It includes evaluating the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, the hours of operation of their practices, and their acceptance of new patients. The availability of same-day appointments and after-hours care options are also important considerations. A shortage of PCPs, coupled with limited access to care, can lead to delayed diagnoses and inadequate management of chronic conditions like COPD.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized pulmonary care. While PCPs are the first point of contact for many COPD patients, access to pulmonologists is essential for complex cases and advanced management. Assessing the number of pulmonologists serving the Shamokin area, their areas of expertise, and their availability for consultations and follow-up care is crucial. Collaboration between PCPs and pulmonologists is essential for providing coordinated and comprehensive COPD care.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important aspect. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are better equipped to manage complex chronic conditions like COPD. Assessing the extent of EHR adoption among primary care practices and pulmonologists in Shamokin is a valuable part of the analysis.

Finally, the analysis should consider the availability of community resources that support COPD patients. These include support groups, educational programs, and access to respiratory rehabilitation services. Community involvement and support can play a significant role in improving the quality of life for COPD patients. Identifying and evaluating these resources is a valuable part of the overall assessment.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shamokin, including the location of physicians, practices, and available resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare providers and the accessibility of care within the 17872 ZIP code. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps today.