17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 55.76 percent of the residents in 17931 has some form of health insurance. 23.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.11 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 17931 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17931. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 946 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,910 health care providers accessible to residents in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Frackville, PA (ZIP Code 17931)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Frackville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17931) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the prevalence of the disease but also the accessibility and quality of care available to those affected. This analysis will delve into various factors, from physician availability to mental health support, to provide a comprehensive ‘COPD Score’ assessment for the area. While a precise numerical score is difficult to generate without proprietary data, this analysis will offer a qualitative ranking and highlight areas of strength and weakness.

Frackville, like many communities in the coal region of Pennsylvania, likely faces a higher-than-average prevalence of COPD. Factors such as historical exposure to coal dust, smoking rates, and an aging population contribute to this potential elevated risk. Therefore, the availability of specialized care and resources is crucial.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The foundation of COPD management lies in strong primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Frackville is a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of the disease. Assessing this ratio requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population. Information on this ratio is available through publicly available resources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Furthermore, the types of primary care practices present in Frackville are important. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? The size and structure of the practices can influence the availability of resources and the ability to provide comprehensive care. Larger clinics often have more resources, including on-site pulmonary specialists or respiratory therapists, which can improve patient outcomes.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Does a practice have a dedicated COPD program? Do they offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site? Do they have a history of successful patient outcomes, and are they actively involved in patient education? A practice with a strong focus on COPD management would ideally have a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses, working collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

Beyond primary care, access to pulmonologists is crucial. The presence of pulmonologists within the ZIP code or in nearby communities is a significant factor. The availability of specialized care, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, is also essential. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and pulmonologists in Frackville is a key consideration. Practices utilizing telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, and medication management support. This can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.

Assessing the availability of telemedicine involves determining which practices offer these services and what technologies they utilize. Do they have secure video conferencing capabilities? Do they offer remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or spirometers? The ease of access to telemedicine services, including the availability of reliable internet connectivity, is also a critical factor.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental health. The chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, and the constant struggle to breathe can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources and support is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care.

Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community. Are there support groups specifically for individuals with COPD? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services? Access to mental health services is essential for addressing the psychological challenges associated with COPD and improving patients' overall well-being.

**Medication and Respiratory Therapy Availability:**

The availability of essential medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, is paramount. Are pharmacies readily accessible within the community? Are there any barriers to medication access, such as high prescription costs or insurance limitations? The availability of respiratory therapy services, including nebulizer treatments and oxygen therapy, is also crucial. Assessing the availability of these services involves identifying local pharmacies and respiratory therapy providers and evaluating their accessibility and affordability.

**Overall COPD Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, a preliminary assessment of the COPD landscape in Frackville, PA, would likely reveal a need for improvement. The area's history, coupled with the potential for a higher-than-average prevalence of COPD, underscores the importance of robust healthcare resources. The analysis suggests that focusing on improving the physician-to-patient ratio, increasing telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health support would significantly improve the ‘COPD Score’ for the community. The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and specialized care would also be a significant benefit.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the COPD landscape in Frackville and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice types, and access to specialized care, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of the community's needs. Explore CartoChrome maps to better understand the challenges and opportunities for improving COPD care in Frackville, Pennsylvania.