17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.92 percent of the residents in 17968 has some form of health insurance. 37.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.89 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 17968 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 79 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17968. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 177 health care providers accessible to residents in 17968, Sacramento, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: 17968 & Sacramento Primary Care

This analysis evaluates primary care resources in ZIP Code 17968 (a proxy for a rural area) and Sacramento, California, with a focus on factors pertinent to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care. The analysis will consider physician availability, telemedicine utilization, mental health support, and other relevant indicators, culminating in a relative "COPD Score" assessment.

**17968: A Rural COPD Landscape**

ZIP Code 17968, representing a rural Pennsylvania community, likely faces significant challenges in COPD care. The foundation of this assessment rests on the assumption of a lower population density and potentially limited access to specialized medical services.

Physician-to-patient ratios are likely a critical concern. Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain primary care physicians (PCPs). This scarcity translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care – all detrimental to COPD management. The COPD Score for this area will reflect the likely burden of these limitations.

Telemedicine adoption, while offering a potential lifeline, may be hampered by technological infrastructure. Reliable internet access, essential for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, might be inconsistent. The lack of consistent connectivity hinders the ability to provide regular check-ins and education to patients, a critical aspect of COPD management.

Mental health resources, crucial for COPD patients dealing with anxiety, depression, and the psychological impact of breathing difficulties, are also likely to be under-resourced. Rural areas often have fewer mental health professionals, leading to longer wait times and increased travel distances for patients seeking support. This scarcity further reduces the COPD Score.

Specific practices in 17968, if any, that stand out in COPD care, would be highly valuable. The presence of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and dedicated COPD programs would significantly improve the score. However, in a rural setting, these specialized resources are often limited. Therefore, the COPD Score for 17968 will reflect the likely absence of such resources.

**Sacramento: A Metropolitan Perspective**

Sacramento, a major metropolitan area, presents a contrasting picture. The higher population density generally translates to a greater concentration of healthcare providers.

Physician-to-patient ratios are likely more favorable in Sacramento compared to 17968. However, even in urban settings, disparities can exist. Certain neighborhoods might experience shortages, impacting access to care for vulnerable populations. The COPD Score for Sacramento will consider these potential inequities.

Telemedicine adoption is likely more prevalent in Sacramento. The availability of high-speed internet and a tech-savvy population facilitates the implementation of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient education programs. This increased accessibility will contribute positively to the COPD Score.

Mental health resources are generally more abundant in Sacramento. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health clinics increases the likelihood of patients receiving timely support. Integrated care models, where mental health services are incorporated into primary care, further enhance access. This abundance positively influences the COPD Score.

Standout practices in Sacramento may offer specialized COPD programs, including pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation support, and disease management education. The presence of these programs, along with access to pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, would significantly improve the COPD Score.

**Comparative COPD Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, a relative COPD Score assessment can be made. This is not a precise numerical score but a qualitative comparison.

* **17968:** The COPD Score for 17968 is likely to be significantly lower. The challenges of rural healthcare, including limited physician availability, potential technological limitations, and scarcity of mental health resources, will negatively impact the quality and accessibility of COPD care. The absence of specialized COPD programs further diminishes the score.

* **Sacramento:** The COPD Score for Sacramento is likely to be higher. The greater concentration of healthcare providers, the prevalence of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to a more favorable environment for COPD care. The presence of specialized programs and a broader range of care options further elevates the score.

**Specific Considerations & Further Analysis**

Further analysis would require more granular data. This would include specific physician counts, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health service utilization, and the availability of specialized COPD programs within each area. Analyzing socioeconomic factors, such as income levels and insurance coverage, would also provide valuable insights into healthcare access and outcomes.

Data on hospital readmission rates for COPD patients could serve as a critical indicator of care quality. Lower readmission rates suggest better disease management and patient outcomes. Patient satisfaction surveys, specifically addressing COPD-related concerns, would provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

**Conclusion**

This analysis highlights the disparities in COPD care between a rural community (17968) and a metropolitan area (Sacramento). While Sacramento presents a more favorable environment, challenges remain. Both areas can benefit from strategies to improve access to care, expand telemedicine capabilities, and integrate mental health support into COPD management.

To gain a visual understanding of these healthcare landscapes, including physician locations, access to specialists, and availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions to improve COPD care.