18336, Matamoras, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18336, Matamoras, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.29 percent of the residents in 18336 has some form of health insurance. 42.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.95 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 18336 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 611 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18336. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 936 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 187 health care providers accessible to residents in 18336, Matamoras, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Matamoras, PA (ZIP Code 18336)**

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Matamoras, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18336), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will examine the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), assess their capacity to serve COPD patients, and evaluate the presence of supportive resources, including telemedicine and mental health services. We will then synthesize these findings into a hypothetical "COPD Score" to provide a relative understanding of the area's healthcare environment.

The foundation of COPD care often rests with primary care physicians. In Matamoras, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. While precise figures fluctuate and are subject to change, publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, when combined, can offer a general estimate. We must consider the total population of Matamoras and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code or a reasonable radius. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely appointments and comprehensive care. This ratio, therefore, directly impacts the initial score.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality and specialization of these practices are vital. Do the PCPs have experience and training in managing COPD? Are they members of professional organizations like the American Thoracic Society? Do they have access to and utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, including spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and medication management? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these aspects of care would receive a higher score. Identifying standout practices would involve examining patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), checking physician credentials, and potentially contacting local healthcare organizations for recommendations.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, offer virtual COPD education sessions, and provide remote monitoring tools would contribute positively to the overall COPD score. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine capabilities would negatively impact the assessment.

The presence and accessibility of mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, yet are critically important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community or through referral networks, directly influences the score. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as screening for depression and anxiety, would enhance the overall score.

The availability of specialized pulmonary care is another important factor. While PCPs are the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists for specialized consultations, diagnostic testing, and advanced treatment options is essential, particularly for patients with severe COPD. The proximity of pulmonology specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs are all critical elements to consider.

To generate a hypothetical "COPD Score," we would assign numerical values to each of these factors. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio could be assigned a score based on established benchmarks. Practices demonstrating best practices in COPD management could receive points. Telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to pulmonary specialists would each contribute to the final score. The resulting score, a composite of these individual factors, would provide a relative ranking of the healthcare environment in Matamoras, PA, for COPD patients.

The limitations of this type of analysis must be acknowledged. Data availability can be a challenge, and publicly available information may not always be entirely up-to-date or comprehensive. Patient experiences can vary widely, and this analysis cannot fully capture the nuances of individual patient care. Furthermore, the score is a relative measure, not an absolute assessment of quality.

In conclusion, the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Matamoras, PA (ZIP code 18336), is a complex interplay of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and access to pulmonary specialists all contribute to the overall COPD score. A comprehensive assessment requires a detailed examination of these elements, considering their individual contributions and the ways they interact to shape the patient experience.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Matamoras, and to visualize the geographic distribution of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, enabling you to identify areas with high and low access to care, and to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.