17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.06 percent of the residents in 17925 has some form of health insurance. 36.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.44 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 17925 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17925. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 52 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,832 health care providers accessible to residents in 17925, Brockton, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Brockton, MA (ZIP Code 17925) & Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the COPD care landscape in Brockton, Massachusetts, particularly focusing on the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 17925, necessitates a multifaceted approach. We must assess the current state of physician resources, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support, all crucial components of effective COPD management. This analysis, presented as a 'COPD Score' evaluation, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The foundation of any COPD care program rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in Brockton is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for COPD patients. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 17925 is paramount. Publicly available data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and professional healthcare organizations should be consulted to determine this ratio accurately. A low ratio necessitates strategies to improve access, such as recruiting new physicians, expanding clinic hours, and promoting team-based care models.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in COPD management, offering insights into effective strategies. Evaluating these practices requires a review of their COPD-related services. This includes the availability of spirometry testing (a crucial diagnostic tool), pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient education resources. Furthermore, the practice's adherence to national guidelines for COPD management, such as those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), should be assessed. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes should be recognized and emulated.

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor in enhancing COPD care, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists or during times of public health crises. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources online can significantly improve patient outcomes. The COPD Score must evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in 17925 utilize telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more accessible and convenient care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in COPD care, but it is a critical component of holistic patient management. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life. The COPD Score needs to examine the availability of mental health services within primary care practices in Brockton. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, or resources for managing anxiety and depression. Practices that prioritize mental health integration are better equipped to address the complex needs of COPD patients and improve their overall well-being.

Furthermore, access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs is a vital aspect of COPD care. These programs provide patients with education, exercise training, and support to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The COPD Score should evaluate the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs within or near 17925. This involves identifying the locations of these programs, assessing their accessibility, and determining whether they are covered by patients' insurance plans. Easy access to these programs is crucial for patients seeking to improve their lung function and manage their COPD effectively.

The COPD Score analysis also requires a review of the availability of respiratory therapists. These professionals play a crucial role in providing education, administering respiratory treatments, and monitoring patients' respiratory status. The analysis must identify the number of respiratory therapists working in the area, their availability, and the extent to which they are integrated into primary care practices. The presence of respiratory therapists can significantly improve the quality of care for COPD patients.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Brockton, particularly within ZIP code 17925, should also consider the cultural and linguistic diversity of the patient population. The analysis must assess whether practices offer services in multiple languages and whether they employ staff who are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse patients. Providing culturally competent care is essential to ensure that all patients receive the support and resources they need to manage their COPD effectively.

Moreover, the analysis should consider the availability of patient education resources. COPD patients need to understand their condition, how to manage their symptoms, and how to prevent exacerbations. The COPD Score should evaluate the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, online resources, and educational programs. Practices that prioritize patient education can empower patients to take an active role in their care and improve their outcomes.

Finally, the COPD Score must consider the affordability of care. The analysis should assess the cost of primary care services, medications, and other COPD-related expenses. This includes evaluating whether practices accept a wide range of insurance plans and whether they offer financial assistance programs to patients who cannot afford care. Ensuring that care is affordable is essential to eliminate barriers to access and improve patient outcomes.

This comprehensive analysis, using data from various sources and considering the factors mentioned above, allows for a detailed 'COPD Score' to be assigned. The score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in Brockton, MA, within the specified ZIP code. The analysis should highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing a roadmap for improvement.

For a visual representation of this complex healthcare landscape, including the location of primary care practices, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing you to visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the availability and accessibility of COPD care in Brockton.