17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.27 percent of the residents in 17959 has some form of health insurance. 42.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.68 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 17959 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 363 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17959. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 875 health care providers accessible to residents in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17959 and Primary Care in New Philadelphia

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians in New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17959) is crucial for assessing the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within the community. This analysis, framed as a "COPD Score," will evaluate several key factors impacting COPD care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital for holistic patient management.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible primary care. In ZIP code 17959, the physician-to-patient ratio represents a critical starting point. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians serving the area and comparing it to the local population allows for a preliminary assessment of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can create significant challenges. Patients might face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment adjustments. This can be particularly detrimental for COPD patients, who require regular monitoring and prompt intervention during exacerbations. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more proactive care and improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio for the specific ZIP code.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care offered by individual practices significantly impacts the COPD Score. Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several criteria. These include the experience and specialization of physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like spirometry (essential for COPD diagnosis and monitoring), and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices demonstrating a commitment to ongoing patient education, providing resources for smoking cessation, and actively managing comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, which often co-exists with COPD) would score higher. Reviewing patient testimonials and practice ratings from sources like Healthgrades or Vitals can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Practices actively participating in COPD-focused research or quality improvement initiatives would also receive a favorable assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant factor in modern COPD care. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management through telehealth platforms can help prevent exacerbations and improve patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies, offering remote monitoring options, and providing virtual education sessions would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices lacking these capabilities would be penalized, potentially hindering the ability of patients to receive timely and convenient care.

COPD is a chronic condition that often impacts mental health. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, would score higher. This integration ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of their condition. The availability of support groups, educational materials, and access to mental health specialists specifically trained in managing chronic illness-related mental health issues would also contribute to a higher score. Practices lacking these resources would be penalized, potentially leading to poorer patient outcomes.

Evaluating the COPD Score for ZIP code 17959 requires a comprehensive review of all these factors. The final score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of COPD care available within the community. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with readily available primary care physicians, high-quality practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. A low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing and managing COPD care, highlighting areas that require improvement. The score, however, is only a starting point.

The analysis should also consider the unique characteristics of the population served by the primary care physicians in 17959. Factors such as the prevalence of smoking, the age distribution of the population, and the socioeconomic status of residents can all influence the burden of COPD and the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring care to meet the specific needs of the community. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments can provide valuable insights into these demographic and epidemiological factors.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider the impact of healthcare policies and regulations on COPD care in the area. Policies that support telehealth, incentivize quality improvement initiatives, and promote access to affordable medications can significantly improve patient outcomes. Conversely, policies that restrict access to care or create administrative burdens can hinder effective COPD management. Staying informed about these policies and their impact on the local healthcare landscape is crucial for a comprehensive COPD Score analysis.

In conclusion, assessing the "COPD Score" for doctors in ZIP code 17959 requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates an understanding of physician-to-patient ratios, an evaluation of practice quality, an assessment of telemedicine adoption, and an examination of mental health resource availability. This analysis must also consider the unique characteristics of the local population and the impact of healthcare policies. This comprehensive evaluation is essential for identifying areas of strength and weakness in COPD care and for developing strategies to improve patient outcomes.

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