17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.71 percent of the residents in 17935 has some form of health insurance. 50.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.03 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 17935 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 306 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17935. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 328 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,900 health care providers accessible to residents in 17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Girardville, PA (ZIP Code 17935)**

Analyzing the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care in Girardville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17935) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the presence of mental health resources, all crucial factors in determining a "COPD Score" for this specific area. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to individuals managing COPD and to highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The initial assessment focuses on the fundamental building block of healthcare access: primary care physicians. The availability of these physicians is directly correlated with the ease of diagnosis, management, and ongoing care for COPD patients. Girardville, a small borough in Schuylkill County, presents a unique challenge. Rural communities often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, and this can significantly impact COPD care. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians practicing within the 17935 ZIP code, or within a reasonable driving distance, is the first step. This data is often available through state medical boards, insurance provider directories, and online healthcare databases.

Once the number of physicians is established, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. This ratio reveals the potential burden on each physician and offers insight into the accessibility of appointments and the overall quality of care. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, shorter appointment durations, and a reduced capacity for proactive COPD management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more accessible system, allowing physicians to dedicate more time to each patient, facilitating early interventions and comprehensive care plans. This ratio, however, is only a starting point. The actual impact of the ratio depends on several other factors.

Identifying standout practices within Girardville is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in COPD care through various means. This might include a dedicated pulmonologist or a primary care physician with specialized training in respiratory illnesses. It could also encompass practices that actively participate in COPD education programs, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, or employ certified respiratory therapists. Furthermore, practices that embrace evidence-based guidelines, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), are more likely to provide high-quality care. These practices should also have robust patient support systems, including access to respiratory medications, oxygen therapy, and smoking cessation programs.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare, particularly in rural settings. Its adoption in Girardville can significantly enhance COPD care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially for those with breathing difficulties. It can also facilitate virtual monitoring of vital signs, medication adherence, and symptom management. The availability of telemedicine services within local practices, or through partnerships with larger healthcare systems, is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to patient-centered care. The success of telemedicine, however, depends on reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is mental health. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is essential for comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans demonstrate a holistic approach to patient well-being. This could involve on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or partnerships with local mental health organizations. The integration of mental health services is a critical component of a high "COPD Score".

The analysis of the "COPD Score" for Girardville, PA, must also consider the availability of specialized equipment. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. The availability of this equipment within the local practices is a key factor. Furthermore, access to respiratory therapists, who can provide education, support, and guidance on managing COPD, is also critical. The presence of these resources will significantly improve the "COPD Score".

Evaluating the overall "COPD Score" involves synthesizing all these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure with readily available primary care physicians, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with specialized expertise, extensive telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and access to essential equipment. Conversely, a low score would signal significant challenges in accessing and managing COPD care. This analysis would reveal the need for improvements in the area.

The challenges faced by rural communities, like Girardville, are real. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts. This includes attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and promoting community awareness of COPD. The local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to improve the "COPD Score" and ensure that individuals with COPD receive the quality care they deserve. The data must be analyzed and updated.

The ongoing monitoring and assessment of these factors are essential. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, and the "COPD Score" for Girardville must be regularly updated to reflect these changes. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the community remains informed about the resources available and that efforts are focused on areas where improvements are needed.

**Call to Action:**

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Girardville and surrounding areas? Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.