17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.33 percent of the residents in 17979 has some form of health insurance. 18.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.30 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 17979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17979. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,194 health care providers accessible to residents in 17979, Summit Station, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Summit Station, PA (ZIP Code 17979)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within the Summit Station, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17979) area. The assessment aims to provide a COPD Score, implicitly ranking the area based on factors crucial for effective COPD care. This includes physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all within the context of primary care practices.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Summit Station, the density of physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), is likely lower than in more urban settings. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially compromised continuity of care, all critical for COPD patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio negatively impacts the COPD Score.

Identifying specific primary care practices within the ZIP code is crucial. The analysis would involve researching the number of PCPs, their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family practice), and their affiliations with hospitals or larger healthcare systems. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management, through specialized equipment, staff training, and participation in COPD-focused programs, would score higher. The presence of respiratory therapists, pulmonologists (either on-site or through referral networks), and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs are all positive indicators.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the COPD Score. Given the potential geographical challenges in a rural setting, the ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telehealth education is invaluable. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing patients with remote access to their physicians, medication management support, and educational resources, would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for patients with COPD, who may experience exacerbations and benefit from prompt, virtual interventions.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for COPD patients. The chronic nature of the disease, its impact on breathing, and the limitations it imposes on daily activities can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or strong referral networks, would significantly improve the COPD Score. This includes access to counseling, support groups, and medication management for mental health conditions.

The COPD Score is also influenced by the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to diagnostic tools like spirometry, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Furthermore, the availability of smoking cessation programs, both within the primary care practices and in the wider community, is a critical component of effective COPD management.

The quality of care provided by individual physicians is also a factor. The analysis would consider the physician's training, experience, and their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and engage in continuing medical education related to COPD would score higher.

The analysis would need to consider the patient’s ability to navigate the healthcare system. This involves factors such as the availability of transportation, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the clarity of communication between the practice and the patient. Practices that offer patient portals, multilingual services, and clear educational materials would receive a higher score.

The presence of any community health initiatives that support COPD patients is also important. This includes programs that provide education, support groups, and access to resources. Collaboration between primary care practices and community organizations can significantly improve the COPD Score.

The overall COPD Score would be a composite of these factors, weighted according to their relative importance. For example, physician availability and the presence of essential diagnostic tools might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score would provide a relative ranking of the area, indicating the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care.

In the context of Summit Station, the analysis would likely reveal challenges related to physician availability and access to specialized services. However, the presence of practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated mental health services could improve the COPD Score. The analysis would also highlight opportunities for improvement, such as the need for increased community-based resources and enhanced collaboration between primary care practices and local organizations.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the COPD care landscape in Summit Station, PA. It is essential to remember that this is a dynamic environment. The availability of resources and the quality of care can change over time.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Summit Station, PA, and explore the distribution of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data analyzed, allowing for a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the COPD Score.