18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.78 percent of the residents in 18505 has some form of health insurance. 50.91 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.36 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 18505 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18505. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18505)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients within the 18505 ZIP code of Scranton, Pennsylvania. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, focusing on factors relevant to COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive COPD care.

Scranton, a city grappling with its industrial past, faces challenges related to air quality and socio-economic factors that can contribute to higher rates of respiratory illnesses like COPD. Consequently, access to quality healthcare, particularly primary care, is paramount for effective disease management and improving patient outcomes. The COPD Score, in this context, is a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care, with a focus on elements directly impacting COPD patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. A higher ratio, signifying fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate follow-up care. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio specifically for primary care physicians within 18505 is crucial. Data from reputable sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should be consulted to ascertain the current ratio. A low ratio would significantly negatively impact the COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices is another key component of the analysis. These practices would demonstrate excellence in COPD management, potentially incorporating specialized pulmonary services, respiratory therapists, and comprehensive patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in COPD research, adhere to national guidelines for COPD care, and demonstrate positive patient outcomes would be considered high-scoring. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists within primary care practices or readily accessible through referral networks would also significantly enhance the score. The review process would involve analyzing online reviews, patient testimonials, and potentially reaching out to local medical societies to gather information on the practices that are highly regarded for COPD care.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring, which can improve patient convenience and reduce the burden of travel, especially for patients with limited mobility or those residing in underserved areas. The COPD Score will consider the extent to which primary care practices in 18505 have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and digital patient education resources. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would receive a higher score.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of the disease, the physical limitations it imposes, and the social isolation it can create. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in comprehensive COPD care. The COPD Score will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices in 18505 offer or facilitate access to mental health services. This includes the presence of in-house therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and referral pathways for patients experiencing mental health issues. Practices that prioritize mental health integration will receive a higher score.

Scranton's socio-economic landscape can also influence the COPD Score. Factors like poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can create barriers to care for COPD patients. The analysis will consider the presence of community health programs, patient assistance programs for medication costs, and culturally sensitive healthcare services within the 18505 ZIP code. Practices that actively address these social determinants of health will be recognized.

The COPD Score for doctors in ZIP code 18505 will be determined by weighting the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, with a lower ratio negatively impacting the score. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will contribute positively to the score, with practices demonstrating excellence in these areas receiving higher marks. The consideration of socio-economic factors will also be incorporated, with an emphasis on practices that are actively working to address health disparities.

The final score will be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care within the 18505 ZIP code. The analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, identifying areas for improvement and highlighting practices that are leading the way in COPD management.

This assessment isn't just about assigning a number; it's about understanding the realities faced by COPD patients in Scranton. It is about identifying the resources available to them and the gaps that need to be addressed. It's about recognizing the practices that are doing excellent work and encouraging others to follow their lead. It's about advocating for better care, improved access, and a higher quality of life for those living with COPD.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians and specialists, consider using CartoChrome maps. They offer a dynamic and interactive way to analyze geographic data and make informed decisions about healthcare access.