18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.51 percent of the residents in 18424 has some form of health insurance. 41.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.26 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 18424 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 994 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18424. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,080 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,477 health care providers accessible to residents in 18424, Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Gouldsboro, PA (ZIP Code 18424)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18424) requires a multi-faceted approach. This assessment considers physician density, practice characteristics, telehealth integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD care. We will evaluate the landscape for patients seeking care within this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician counts are dynamic and proprietary, publicly available data and healthcare directories offer a starting point. Analyzing the total number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 18424 ZIP code, or within a reasonable radius, is the first step. This number is then compared to the estimated population of Gouldsboro. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care, particularly for a chronic condition like COPD.

Further complicating the picture is the prevalence of specialists. COPD management often involves collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, and respiratory therapists. The availability of pulmonologists within the service area is crucial. The presence of a dedicated pulmonology practice or the accessibility of pulmonologists through referral networks significantly impacts the quality and comprehensiveness of COPD care. Proximity to larger hospitals or medical centers with specialized respiratory care units is also a factor, especially for managing acute exacerbations of COPD.

Examining the characteristics of primary care practices within the area provides valuable insights. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, essential for COPD diagnosis and monitoring? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, with readily accessible appointments and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, are more likely to provide superior COPD management. The presence of certified respiratory therapists within the practice or easily accessible through referral is a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for managing chronic conditions. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically remote areas. Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring of patients’ symptoms and allow for early intervention to prevent exacerbations. Assessing the availability and utilization of telehealth services is a key component of this COPD score analysis.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked, but they are a crucial aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referral networks, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in chronic illness management. The availability of these resources directly impacts a patient's ability to cope with the challenges of living with COPD.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice characteristics. Some practices might excel in patient education programs, offering comprehensive resources on COPD management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Others might have established strong referral networks with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, ensuring seamless coordination of care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD management are likely to deliver superior care.

Furthermore, evaluating the availability of community resources is vital. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, support groups, and educational workshops. These resources empower patients to actively participate in their care and improve their quality of life. The proximity and accessibility of these resources contribute significantly to the overall COPD care landscape.

The analysis of these factors will provide a comprehensive COPD Score for the Gouldsboro area. The score will be a reflection of the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialists, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telehealth, and the availability of mental health and community resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for COPD management, while a lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed.

This detailed analysis is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It allows patients to make informed decisions about their care, helps healthcare providers identify areas for improvement, and provides policymakers with data to allocate resources effectively. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Gouldsboro, PA.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability mapped geographically, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can transform complex healthcare data into actionable insights, providing a clear and concise understanding of the COPD care landscape in Gouldsboro and beyond.