17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 17948 has some form of health insurance. 51.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.11 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 17948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,100 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17948. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 659 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,784 health care providers accessible to residents in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Mahanoy City, PA (ZIP Code 17948)

This analysis delves into the availability of primary care and related resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17948). We will assess the landscape, focusing on physician accessibility, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all critical factors in effective COPD management. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients in this specific geographic area.

Mahanoy City, a small town in Schuylkill County, faces challenges common to rural communities, including potential limitations in healthcare access. The COPD Score analysis considers several factors. The first and perhaps most crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and potentially private healthcare databases. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates greater accessibility, while a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent care. This is a critical metric.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care physicians is paramount. Identifying standout practices necessitates a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals. Furthermore, we need to consider the practice's accreditations, certifications, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems. Practices affiliated with hospitals or larger networks often have access to more specialized resources and a broader range of support services. This is particularly important for COPD patients, who often require a multidisciplinary approach to care.

The presence of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists is vital. COPD is a respiratory illness, so the availability of specialists is a key indicator of the quality of care. We must investigate the number of pulmonologists practicing within a reasonable radius of Mahanoy City. The proximity of hospitals with respiratory therapy departments is also a significant factor. A strong network of specialists, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and possibly cardiologists (given the frequent comorbidity of COPD and cardiovascular disease), is essential for comprehensive COPD management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the COPD Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. We need to determine which primary care practices and specialists in the area offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, which can be challenging for patients with breathing difficulties. It can also provide access to specialists who may not be readily available locally.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of COPD, yet they are profoundly important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD Score analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within Mahanoy City. This includes identifying psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses. We need to evaluate whether these services are readily accessible, affordable, and integrated into the primary care system.

The integration of mental health services with COPD care is a critical component of holistic patient management. This includes evaluating whether primary care physicians screen patients for mental health issues and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The presence of support groups, both in-person and virtual, is also an important factor. Support groups provide patients with a sense of community and offer valuable peer support.

Accessibility is another crucial component of the COPD Score. This includes considering the physical accessibility of healthcare facilities, such as ramps, elevators, and accessible parking. It also includes assessing the availability of transportation options for patients who may have difficulty driving or using public transportation. The availability of home healthcare services is also important, as it allows patients to receive care in the comfort of their own homes.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is also a key factor. Patients with COPD need to be well-informed about their condition, including how to manage their symptoms, take their medications correctly, and make lifestyle changes to improve their health. This includes access to educational materials, such as brochures, websites, and support groups.

The COPD Score analysis should consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, and quitting smoking is essential for slowing the progression of the disease. The availability of smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, is an important factor in improving patient outcomes.

Finally, the COPD Score analysis should consider the cost of care. The cost of healthcare can be a significant barrier to access for many patients. This includes assessing the cost of primary care visits, specialist consultations, medications, and other services. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, is also an important factor.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Mahanoy City (ZIP code 17948) is a complex assessment. It requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and other factors. The availability of specialists, the adoption of telehealth, and the integration of mental health services are all critical. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mahanoy City and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and understanding the accessibility of resources.