17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17946 has some form of health insurance. 20.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.86 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 17946 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 75 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17946. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 18 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,903 health care providers accessible to residents in 17946, Lost Creek, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Lost Creek, PA (ZIP Code 17946)

Analyzing the availability and quality of COPD care within the Lost Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17946) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will examine the landscape of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage COPD patients, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and ultimately, provide a COPD Score assessment. This score, while not a definitive metric, will offer a relative understanding of the quality and accessibility of COPD care within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of COPD care rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Lost Creek, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Without specific data on the exact number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, it is challenging to determine an accurate ratio. However, a general understanding can be gleaned from regional healthcare data. If the ratio is high, indicating fewer physicians per capita, access to timely appointments and consistent care is likely to be compromised. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access. This ratio needs to be assessed against the prevalence of COPD within the 17946 ZIP code. A higher prevalence, coupled with a high physician-to-patient ratio, paints a concerning picture.

Beyond simple numbers, the qualifications and experience of the PCPs are essential. Are they board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine? Do they have experience managing chronic respiratory conditions? Do they participate in continuing medical education (CME) focused on COPD? Information on physician credentials can often be found through online physician directories or by contacting local hospitals and medical groups. Identifying PCPs with a specific interest or expertise in pulmonary medicine is crucial.

Standout practices in Lost Creek would be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to COPD management. This includes practices that offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site, provide patient education on medication adherence and lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation), and have established care coordination protocols with pulmonologists and other specialists. These practices often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, manage medication refills, and communicate effectively with patients. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) within the practice is a significant asset, as they can provide specialized support and education.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows patients to receive virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of their symptoms. In Lost Creek, the availability of telemedicine services from local PCPs or through partnerships with larger healthcare systems can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Examining the telemedicine capabilities of local practices is therefore a crucial aspect of the COPD Score analysis.

The mental health of COPD patients is often overlooked, but it is a critical factor in their overall well-being and disease management. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is essential. Ideally, these resources should be integrated into the primary care setting or readily accessible through referrals. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and offer or facilitate access to mental health services are better equipped to provide comprehensive COPD care.

Assessing the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also crucial. These programs, often offered by hospitals or specialized clinics, provide supervised exercise, education, and support to help COPD patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. The proximity of these programs to Lost Creek and their accessibility are important considerations.

Based on the factors discussed above, a COPD Score can be formulated. This score is a relative assessment, not an absolute measure. It would consider the following:

* **Physician-to-patient ratio:** A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) would negatively impact the score.
* **Physician qualifications and experience:** Board certifications, experience in managing COPD, and participation in CME would positively influence the score.
* **Standout practice features:** On-site PFTs, patient education programs, care coordination protocols, and the presence of RRTs would positively impact the score.
* **Telemedicine adoption:** The availability and utilization of telemedicine services would positively influence the score.
* **Mental health resources:** The integration of mental health services or access to referrals would positively influence the score.
* **Pulmonary rehabilitation program availability:** Proximity and accessibility to pulmonary rehabilitation programs would positively influence the score.

Without access to real-time, comprehensive data on the specific healthcare landscape of Lost Creek, a precise COPD Score cannot be determined. However, based on the above considerations, the overall assessment would likely be influenced by the accessibility of physicians, the integration of specialized services, and the availability of mental health support.

The final COPD Score, even if estimated, can inform patients about the quality and accessibility of COPD care in their area. It can also be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better resources. Furthermore, it can assist policymakers in making informed decisions about healthcare funding and resource allocation.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lost Creek and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the distribution of healthcare providers, facilities, and resources, allowing for a more comprehensive and nuanced analysis of COPD care availability. This can help identify underserved areas and highlight potential areas for improvement. Contact CartoChrome maps to learn more about their services and how they can assist in your healthcare analysis needs.