18070, Palm, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18070, Palm, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.16 percent of the residents in 18070 has some form of health insurance. 45.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.87 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 18070 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 19 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18070. An estimate of 39 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 138 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28,943 health care providers accessible to residents in 18070, Palm, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Palm, PA (ZIP Code 18070)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within the ZIP code 18070, encompassing the community of Palm, Pennsylvania. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in providing comprehensive COPD care.

The landscape of primary care in Palm, PA, is a vital component of community health. It's the first point of contact for many residents seeking healthcare. The accessibility and quality of this care directly influence the management of chronic conditions like COPD. The aging population, common in many rural areas, often correlates with a higher prevalence of COPD. Therefore, understanding the resources available within 18070 is paramount.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like COPD. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios for a specific ZIP code are often difficult to obtain due to data privacy and constant fluctuation, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates. These estimates, combined with information on the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists practicing within the area, can provide a preliminary assessment of access. A thorough analysis would involve cross-referencing this data with information on the patient demographics of Palm, including age distribution and prevalence of chronic diseases.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. We need to consider the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction, and the availability of specialized services. This includes access to pulmonary function testing (PFT), which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. Practices that embrace evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, including regular spirometry, smoking cessation programs, and patient education, are highly desirable. Reviews from patients, available on platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, can offer insights into patient experiences, but should be considered alongside objective metrics.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for COPD management, especially in rural areas. It allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be challenging for individuals with breathing difficulties. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care to COPD patients. This also includes access to respiratory therapists who can monitor patients at home.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD, but they are profoundly important. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Patients with COPD often experience a reduced quality of life, and mental health support is critical for managing these challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families is also a significant factor in a practice's overall COPD score.

The evaluation of resources in Palm, PA, should also consider the availability of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is essential for comprehensive COPD management. The proximity of these specialists to the community and the ease of referral pathways are crucial factors. Practices that have established strong relationships with specialists and facilitate seamless referrals are better equipped to meet the complex needs of COPD patients.

Assessing the availability of these resources requires an in-depth investigation. This includes identifying the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists practicing within the ZIP code. It requires a review of practice websites and patient reviews to assess the services offered and patient satisfaction. It also demands an evaluation of the telemedicine capabilities of local practices and the availability of mental health support.

Ultimately, the COPD score for a given practice or the overall community is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the current state of resources and the ongoing efforts to improve care. This score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, guiding efforts to enhance the quality of care and improve the lives of individuals living with COPD in Palm, PA. The availability of resources and the quality of care are crucial for managing COPD.

For a comprehensive visual analysis of physician locations, practice demographics, and resource availability in Palm, PA (ZIP Code 18070), including the ability to map service areas and identify potential gaps in care, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps.