18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.06 percent of the residents in 18328 has some form of health insurance. 44.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.35 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 18328 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,702 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18328. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,438 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,057 health care providers accessible to residents in 18328, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Dingmans Ferry (18328) Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape within the Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania ZIP code 18328, requires a multi-faceted approach. A "COPD Score" analysis, although not a formally recognized metric, can be constructed to assess the quality and accessibility of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. This analysis will consider factors crucial for COPD management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to understand the environment for COPD patients seeking primary care within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any COPD Score lies in the availability of physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. In Dingmans Ferry, a rural area, this ratio is likely to be less favorable than in more urban settings. Researching the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code, alongside the estimated population, will provide a preliminary understanding. A lower ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, crucial for COPD management. The average wait times for appointments, both for new and established patients, further illuminate the accessibility issue. Longer wait times can significantly impact a COPD patient's ability to manage their condition effectively, particularly during exacerbations.

Beyond simple numbers, the types of practices available are important. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger practices often have the resources to offer a broader range of services, including on-site pulmonary function testing (PFTs), which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring COPD. The availability of respiratory therapists within the practice or through established partnerships is another crucial factor. Their expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation and patient education is invaluable for managing the disease. The presence of nurses specializing in chronic disease management can also significantly improve patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing patient reviews and testimonials, assessing the practice's accreditations (e.g., Patient-Centered Medical Home), and examining their commitment to evidence-based COPD care. Do they follow the latest guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)? Do they offer patient education programs on topics such as smoking cessation, medication adherence, and breathing techniques? Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to COPD management, with a focus on patient education and preventative care, would receive a higher score in this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Dingmans Ferry. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide education via telehealth platforms can greatly improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients. Practices that offer telemedicine options, especially for medication refills, follow-up appointments, and symptom management, would score higher. This is particularly relevant for COPD patients, who may experience difficulty traveling to in-person appointments, especially during exacerbations.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked, yet critical, component of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, would be considered more comprehensive in their approach. This could include offering counseling services, support groups, or access to psychiatric care. The availability of these resources is crucial for addressing the holistic needs of COPD patients.

Specific examples of practices in the 18328 ZIP code that might be considered "standout" would require detailed research. For instance, a practice that offers on-site PFTs, has a dedicated respiratory therapist, and integrates telemedicine for follow-up appointments would likely score favorably. Similarly, a practice that actively screens for depression and anxiety in its COPD patients and provides access to mental health resources would demonstrate a comprehensive approach to care. Identifying these practices, and the specific services they offer, is key to understanding the COPD care landscape in Dingmans Ferry.

The overall "COPD Score" for primary care in Dingmans Ferry, therefore, is not simply a numerical value. It is a composite assessment based on the factors discussed: physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. A low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing and receiving high-quality COPD care. This might be due to a limited number of PCPs, lack of specialized services, or a lack of focus on patient education and mental health. Conversely, a high score would reflect a more favorable environment, with adequate physician availability, comprehensive services, and a proactive approach to patient care.

The analysis also needs to consider the geographic challenges of the area. Dingmans Ferry, being a rural area, may have limited access to specialized care, such as pulmonologists or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This means that primary care physicians play an even more critical role in managing COPD patients. The availability of specialists in nearby towns and cities, and the ease of referral, are important considerations. The distance patients must travel to receive specialized care significantly impacts their overall quality of life.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic factors within the community play a role. The affordability of healthcare, the availability of insurance, and the prevalence of smoking are all factors that can influence COPD prevalence and management. Practices that are sensitive to these factors, and offer assistance with medication costs or smoking cessation programs, would be more likely to achieve better outcomes for their patients.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD care landscape in Dingmans Ferry requires a detailed investigation into the availability, accessibility, and quality of primary care services. This “COPD Score” analysis highlights the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. Understanding these elements is essential for ensuring that COPD patients in this community receive the comprehensive care they need.
To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dingmans Ferry, including the location of primary care physicians and related resources, we encourage you to explore interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.