17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17884 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.74 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 17884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17884. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,654 health care providers accessible to residents in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884)

Washingtonville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 17884 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery, particularly regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources within the context of COPD management for doctors practicing in the area. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare infrastructure and identify areas for improvement.

The COPD Score is not a singular, quantifiable metric but rather a qualitative assessment derived from analyzing several interconnected factors. It considers the accessibility and quality of care for individuals living with or at risk of COPD. The prevalence of COPD is a significant concern in many rural communities, and Washingtonville is no exception. Factors such as age demographics, smoking rates, and environmental exposures can contribute to a higher incidence of the disease, placing increased demands on local healthcare providers.

One of the most critical components of a COPD Score is primary care availability. The cornerstone of COPD management is consistent, accessible primary care. This includes regular check-ups, preventative screenings, and early intervention strategies. In Washingtonville, assessing primary care availability requires evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population, the hours of operation of their practices, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. A shortage of PCPs, long wait times, or limited office hours can significantly hinder access to care and negatively impact the COPD Score. A robust primary care system, on the other hand, with readily available appointments and a focus on preventative care, would elevate the score.

Physician-to-patient ratios provide another crucial element of the analysis. The ratio of PCPs to the total population of Washingtonville provides an indication of the potential workload for each physician. A high ratio, indicating a relatively small number of physicians serving a large population, can lead to increased patient loads, reduced time per patient, and potential compromises in the quality of care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a greater availability of physicians, allowing for more personalized attention and potentially improved COPD management. Analyzing these ratios helps gauge the overall capacity of the healthcare system to effectively address the needs of individuals with COPD.

The integration of telemedicine is a modern aspect of healthcare that can greatly influence the COPD Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ins, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in Washingtonville, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, directly impacts the score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more convenient and accessible care, improving patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, aspect of COPD management. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD Score must therefore consider the availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, within the Washingtonville area. The integration of mental health services into COPD care, such as providing referrals to mental health professionals and offering support groups, is a key indicator of a comprehensive approach to patient care. The availability of these resources positively impacts the COPD Score, while a lack of such resources negatively affects it.

Standout practices within the 17884 ZIP code can significantly influence the overall COPD Score. Identifying practices that excel in COPD management, such as those with specialized pulmonologists, comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or innovative patient education initiatives, is essential. These practices can serve as models for other providers, demonstrating best practices and contributing to improved patient outcomes. Highlighting these standout practices can inspire improvements across the entire healthcare landscape.

Analyzing the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, is another critical component of the COPD Score. While primary care physicians are essential for initial diagnosis and ongoing management, access to specialists is crucial for complex cases and advanced treatment options. The presence of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists in the Washingtonville area, and their accessibility to patients, directly impacts the COPD Score. The more readily available these specialists are, the better the overall score.

The overall COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 17884 is a multifaceted assessment. It relies on a combination of quantitative data, such as physician-to-patient ratios and telemedicine adoption rates, and qualitative factors, such as the availability of mental health resources and the presence of standout practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Washingtonville, identifying areas of strength and weakness and ultimately contributing to improved COPD management and patient outcomes.

The analysis also considers the local infrastructure supporting healthcare, including the availability of pharmacies, diagnostic imaging centers, and emergency services. Access to these resources is essential for timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of COPD exacerbations. The proximity of these resources to patients and their accessibility, including operating hours and insurance acceptance, play a significant role in the overall COPD Score.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Washingtonville, Pennsylvania, is a dynamic assessment reflecting the complex interplay of various healthcare factors. It is a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the healthcare system in addressing the needs of individuals with COPD. The analysis emphasizes the importance of accessible primary care, physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the presence of specialized resources. By understanding these factors, healthcare providers and policymakers can work together to improve COPD management and enhance the quality of life for patients in the 17884 ZIP code.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Washingtonville and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the COPD Score, consider exploring the detailed map of healthcare resources and demographics available through CartoChrome maps. This powerful tool provides a spatial representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.