17887, White Deer, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17887, White Deer, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.25 percent of the residents in 17887 has some form of health insurance. 38.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.29 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 17887 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 303 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17887. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,294 health care providers accessible to residents in 17887, White Deer, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the quality of COPD care and primary care availability within ZIP code 17887 (White Deer, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors influencing patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. While a formal "COPD Score" is not possible without access to patient-level data, this analysis provides a qualitative assessment based on publicly available information and common healthcare benchmarks.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In White Deer, the ratio is influenced by the broader healthcare infrastructure of Union County and surrounding areas. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining primary care physicians and specialists, including pulmonologists who specialize in COPD. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially poorer health outcomes for individuals with COPD. Analyzing the specific ratio for primary care physicians and pulmonologists within the 17887 ZIP code, and the broader region, is essential. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Department of Health & Human Services can offer insights, though they may not provide hyper-local granularity.

Standout practices in the area can significantly impact the quality of COPD care. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence requires evaluating several factors. These include the availability of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with significant experience in managing COPD, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment (such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, GOLD), the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient satisfaction scores. Reviewing practice websites, patient reviews (while cautiously), and information from professional organizations like the American Lung Association can help identify practices that prioritize quality care. Furthermore, practices that integrate multidisciplinary teams, including respiratory therapists, nurses, and potentially social workers, often provide more comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by enabling remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. For individuals with COPD, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ins with their physicians, allowing for early detection of exacerbations and timely interventions. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the 17887 ZIP code is crucial. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring devices), the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice’s workflow. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely better positioned to provide ongoing care and support to patients with COPD, particularly those with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the management of COPD, but they are essential. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is vital for addressing these issues. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within the 17887 ZIP code involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. It also includes evaluating the availability of support groups, educational programs, and referrals to mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans are likely to provide more holistic and effective care, improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Specific practices to investigate would include those affiliated with Evangelical Community Hospital, which serves the region. Researching the hospital’s website and associated physician groups will provide information on specialists, services offered, and telemedicine capabilities. Additionally, examining the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, a cornerstone of COPD management, is essential. These programs typically involve exercise training, education, and support, and can significantly improve patients' lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The presence of such programs within the local healthcare system is a strong indicator of the commitment to comprehensive COPD care.

The overall assessment of COPD care and primary care availability in 17887 is complex, with several factors influencing patient outcomes. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play crucial roles. By carefully evaluating these factors, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. The goal is to ensure that individuals with COPD have access to the high-quality, comprehensive care they need to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in White Deer and the surrounding areas, including detailed mapping of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed, making it easier to identify areas with high and low access to care and pinpoint specific resources that may be available.