17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17974 has some form of health insurance. 59.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.97 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 17974 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17974. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 87 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17974 and Primary Care Availability in Seltzer

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within ZIP code 17974, specifically focusing on the Seltzer area, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will attempt to establish a “COPD Score” for the region, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial elements in effective COPD care.

The foundation of any COPD score must be built upon the accessibility of PCPs. ZIP code 17974, encompassing Seltzer and surrounding areas, is a relatively rural region. This geographical characteristic often translates to a lower density of physicians compared to more urban centers. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is the initial step. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards, along with data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), would need to be consulted to ascertain the number of active PCPs within the specified ZIP code and the estimated population. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of available doctors, would negatively impact the COPD score. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the available practices are critical. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or PCPs with a demonstrated specialization in respiratory medicine would significantly enhance the COPD score. Practices that are part of larger healthcare systems often have access to more resources, including specialized equipment for pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and advanced imaging techniques. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists is another positive indicator. These professionals are essential for patient education, medication management, and the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, all of which are integral to COPD care. Practices with established relationships with local hospitals, providing seamless transitions for patients requiring hospitalization, would also be viewed favorably.

The adoption of telemedicine is a key component of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual follow-up appointments would receive a higher COPD score. Telemedicine can overcome geographical barriers, enabling patients in Seltzer to access care from specialists or PCPs who may be located further away. This is particularly important for COPD patients, who may experience exacerbations requiring frequent monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which can be delivered remotely, improving patient adherence and outcomes.

Mental health is inextricably linked to COPD management. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and physical activity, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial factor in the COPD score. Practices that have integrated behavioral health specialists or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. The ability to address the psychological needs of COPD patients is essential for improving their quality of life and adherence to treatment plans.

Assessing the “standout practices” within ZIP code 17974 requires a deeper dive into the specific characteristics of each practice. This would involve reviewing patient reviews, analyzing data on patient outcomes (where available), and assessing the practice's commitment to patient education and preventative care. Practices that actively participate in COPD-related research or clinical trials would also be considered exemplary. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to cultural sensitivity and provide services in multiple languages would be viewed positively, ensuring that all patients in the community have equitable access to care.

The COPD score, as a holistic metric, would be influenced by all the factors mentioned above. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in effective COPD management. The final score would then provide a snapshot of the quality and accessibility of COPD care within the region. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure, with readily available PCPs, specialized expertise, telemedicine capabilities, and comprehensive mental health support. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as the need for increased physician recruitment, expanded telemedicine services, and greater integration of mental health resources.

In conclusion, evaluating the COPD score for doctors in ZIP code 17974 and primary care availability in Seltzer is a complex undertaking. It requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform strategies for improving the quality of COPD care for the residents of Seltzer and the surrounding areas. The data-driven insights from this analysis can be further enhanced by leveraging advanced mapping tools.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Seltzer and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data and uncover hidden patterns to further enhance your understanding of the COPD care environment.