17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.16 percent of the residents in 17922 has some form of health insurance. 28.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.24 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 17922 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17922. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 935 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,744 health care providers accessible to residents in 17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17922 and Primary Care Availability in Auburn

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 17922 (Auburn, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as a "COPD Score," considers factors crucial for COPD patients: physician accessibility, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The goal is to understand the landscape and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Auburn is a foundational element. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs), can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced continuity of care – all detrimental to COPD management. Conversely, a high ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, must be consulted to determine the precise ratio. This ratio is weighted heavily in the COPD Score calculation.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of available practices is paramount. This involves assessing factors like physician experience, board certifications (especially in internal medicine, family medicine, and pulmonology), and patient satisfaction scores. Online review platforms, such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Practices with consistently high ratings, indicating positive patient-physician relationships, effective communication, and well-managed chronic conditions, receive higher scores. The presence of specialized COPD clinics or programs within a practice, offering tailored care and pulmonary rehabilitation, significantly boosts the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly critical, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of patients, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for COPD management, including remote spirometry monitoring, virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, and medication adherence support, are awarded a higher score. The ease of use, accessibility of the platform, and integration with existing patient records are also considered.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house therapists or referrals to readily accessible mental health professionals, receive a higher score. This includes offering mental health screenings, providing educational materials on managing anxiety and depression, and coordinating care with mental health specialists.

Analyzing the data, specific practices within ZIP code 17922 will be evaluated. The analysis will consider factors like the number of PCPs affiliated with each practice, patient reviews, and the availability of specialized COPD services. A practice demonstrating a strong commitment to patient-centered care, with readily available appointments, high patient satisfaction, and proactive COPD management strategies, will receive a higher score. This includes practices that offer convenient appointment scheduling, extended hours, and clear communication channels.

The COPD Score will also consider the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs within the Auburn area. These programs, which include exercise training, education, and support groups, are essential for improving lung function, reducing symptoms, and enhancing the quality of life for COPD patients. Practices that partner with or offer these programs will receive a significant boost in their score.

The availability of respiratory therapists and other allied health professionals is also crucial. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in educating patients about COPD, administering breathing treatments, and monitoring lung function. Practices that have easy access to respiratory therapists, either in-house or through strong referral networks, will receive a higher score.

The overall accessibility of pharmacies and respiratory equipment suppliers within the area also impacts the COPD Score. Patients need easy access to medications, oxygen, and other respiratory equipment. Practices located near pharmacies and suppliers, or that offer assistance with medication management and equipment procurement, will receive a higher score.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor. EHRs facilitate seamless communication between physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Practices with robust EHR systems that are well-integrated with other healthcare providers will receive a higher score.

The COPD Score is not a static metric. It is intended to be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. Practices that are proactive in adopting new technologies, implementing innovative care models, and improving patient outcomes will consistently receive higher scores. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect these changes.

The final COPD Score for each practice will be determined by weighting the various factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be weighted heavily, followed by practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The scores will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to easily compare practices and make informed decisions about their care.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the quality of primary care and COPD management within ZIP code 17922. It is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and improvement. Patients are encouraged to use this information to advocate for their own healthcare needs and to work with their physicians to develop personalized COPD management plans.

Want to visualize the data and see the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Auburn, Pennsylvania? Explore the power of location intelligence with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care.