17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Ashland, PA (ZIP Code 17921)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Ashland, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17921), focusing on the availability and quality of care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The evaluation considers primary care physician (PCP) access, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall practice quality. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to patients and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in consistent access to primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Ashland, like many rural communities, is a critical factor. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are dynamic and require constant monitoring, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) provide valuable insights. A lower physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potentially more accessible system, allowing for more frequent check-ups, personalized care plans, and proactive disease management, all vital for COPD patients. Conversely, a higher ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, less time spent with each patient, and a greater reliance on emergency room visits for exacerbations.

Assessing the quality of primary care practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic testing (e.g., spirometry), and the implementation of evidence-based COPD management guidelines. Some practices in Ashland may have a strong reputation for COPD care, potentially due to a specific physician's expertise or a comprehensive approach to patient education and support. Identifying these standout practices is crucial for patients seeking high-quality care. Patient reviews, online ratings, and recommendations from other healthcare professionals can help identify these leaders in COPD management.

Telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to enhance COPD care in Ashland. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent office visits, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care providers in Ashland needs investigation. Practices embracing telehealth technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management, which can positively impact patient outcomes.

The psychological impact of COPD is often overlooked. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its debilitating symptoms, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for comprehensive COPD care. The availability of these resources in Ashland, and their integration with primary care practices, is a key indicator of a patient-centered approach. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to appropriate support services demonstrate a deeper understanding of the holistic needs of individuals living with COPD.

Analyzing the specific practices within ZIP code 17921 requires gathering data from multiple sources. This includes contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing online directories, and examining publicly available information about practice profiles. The aim is to identify the practices that have a strong focus on COPD management, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education and support. This involves evaluating the training and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized equipment, and the use of electronic health records to facilitate care coordination.

The assessment should also consider the accessibility of specialized pulmonary care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of COPD management, patients may require referral to a pulmonologist for more complex cases or for advanced diagnostic testing. The proximity of pulmonologists to Ashland, and the ease with which patients can access their services, is an important factor in the overall quality of COPD care. This includes evaluating the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which can help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of resources for patient education. COPD patients need to be well-informed about their condition, their treatment options, and the importance of lifestyle modifications. Practices that offer patient education materials, support groups, and access to respiratory therapists demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to take an active role in their care.

The final COPD score for Ashland (ZIP Code 17921) would be a composite score reflecting the various factors discussed above. This score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in COPD care. It would also serve as a benchmark for tracking progress over time. The score would be based on a weighted average of the different factors, with the weights reflecting the relative importance of each factor.

The analysis process is iterative, requiring ongoing monitoring and updating. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and regulations emerging. Therefore, regular reviews of the data and the methodology are necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the COPD score. This includes tracking changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources.

In conclusion, the availability and quality of COPD care in Ashland, PA (ZIP Code 17921) is a complex issue influenced by a multitude of factors. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement. By understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall quality of primary care practices, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ashland, including physician locations, practice profiles, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where access to care may be limited.