18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.21 percent of the residents in 18246 has some form of health insurance. 38.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.57 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 18246 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 111 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18246. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,627 health care providers accessible to residents in 18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18246 and Primary Care in Rock Glen

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 18246, which encompasses Rock Glen, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach, especially concerning the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis, framed as a "COPD Score," assesses various factors crucial for effective COPD care, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. This score isn't a single number, but rather a composite evaluation reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Rock Glen.

One of the most critical elements is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care doctors, can significantly hinder access to care, especially for a chronic condition like COPD. Rock Glen, a rural community, likely faces challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. This could translate to longer wait times for appointments, difficulty establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. The COPD Score would reflect this by assigning a lower value if the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare databases, would be used to estimate this ratio accurately.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the existing practices are paramount. The COPD Score considers factors like the types of services offered, the experience of the physicians in managing COPD, and the availability of specialized equipment. For instance, practices equipped with spirometry testing capabilities (essential for COPD diagnosis and monitoring) would receive a higher score. Practices that actively participate in COPD-focused educational programs or clinical trials would also be favorably assessed. The analysis would delve into the credentials and specializations of the physicians, identifying those with board certifications in pulmonary medicine or a demonstrated focus on respiratory care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of the COPD Score. Telemedicine can be a game-changer for patients in rural areas, offering convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices that embrace telemedicine platforms for virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring (e.g., using connected devices to track lung function), and medication refills would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for COPD patients who may experience exacerbations and require prompt intervention. The analysis would assess the availability of telemedicine services, the ease of use of the platforms, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are critical for COPD patients. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the COPD Score considers the availability of mental health support within the primary care setting or through referrals. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, partner with mental health clinics, or have established referral pathways for mental health services would receive a higher score. The analysis would investigate the accessibility of these resources, the types of mental health services offered, and the integration of mental health care into the overall COPD management plan.

Identifying standout practices is a key objective of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered COPD care would be highlighted. This could include practices with a strong track record of patient outcomes, those that actively engage in patient education and support groups, or those that utilize innovative technologies to improve care delivery. The COPD Score would recognize these practices by assigning them higher values across various categories, reflecting their dedication to providing high-quality care. This recognition can help patients identify the best options for their needs.

The analysis would also consider the presence of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation programs. Access to these services is essential for comprehensive COPD management. Practices that offer these services on-site or have strong referral relationships with providers of these services would receive a higher score. The analysis would examine the availability of these services, the qualifications of the providers, and the integration of these services into the overall care plan.

The COPD Score is not just about assessing the current state of healthcare; it also considers the potential for improvement. The analysis would identify areas where the healthcare landscape could be enhanced, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health support. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, healthcare planning, and community initiatives aimed at improving COPD care in Rock Glen.

The final COPD Score would be a nuanced evaluation, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities within the local healthcare system. It would provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve COPD care in ZIP code 18246. This comprehensive assessment would reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, providing a roadmap for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rock Glen and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a detailed view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, helping you visualize the findings of this COPD Score analysis.