18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 18507 has some form of health insurance. 38.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.83 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 18507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,165 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18507. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 989 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,994 health care providers accessible to residents in 18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18507 and Primary Care Availability in Moosic**

Assessing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, within ZIP Code 18507 (Scranton, PA) and the neighboring town of Moosic presents a complex challenge. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score, a hypothetical metric reflecting the accessibility, resources, and quality of care for COPD patients in this specific geographic area. The score will be based on available data, assumptions, and a general understanding of healthcare trends.

The foundation of a strong COPD Score begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In 18507 and Moosic, this ratio is a critical indicator. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within the area. Analyzing the population demographics, including age and prevalence of COPD risk factors (smoking history, environmental exposures), helps determine if the physician supply adequately meets the demand. Areas with a lower physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists like pulmonologists, would inherently receive a lower score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is vital. Are PCPs clustered in one area, leaving other sections underserved? Are there adequate transportation options for patients to reach these practices? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community health clinics, which often serve vulnerable populations, would positively influence the score. The availability of specialists is equally important. A strong COPD Score hinges on the presence of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists who can provide comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Standout practices within the region play a significant role in shaping the COPD Score. These practices demonstrate a commitment to COPD management through various means. Evidence-based practices include the use of spirometry for early diagnosis, adherence to national guidelines for treatment (e.g., GOLD guidelines), and a focus on patient education and self-management strategies. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and have a high patient satisfaction rate would likely receive a higher score. Additionally, practices that offer integrated care, such as coordinating with other specialists and providing access to support groups or smoking cessation programs, would be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, especially in rural or underserved areas. The availability of telemedicine services for COPD patients, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and telehealth education sessions, can significantly improve access to care and patient outcomes. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those that offer remote monitoring of pulmonary function, medication adherence support, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, would contribute positively to the COPD Score. The ease of access to technology and digital literacy among the patient population also needs to be considered.

The mental health aspect of COPD management is often overlooked but is a crucial component of holistic care. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, or support groups, would significantly improve the score. Integration of mental health services within the primary care setting, such as screening for mental health conditions and providing referrals to appropriate resources, is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive patient care.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another essential factor. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured program that helps patients with COPD improve their breathing, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life. The presence of easily accessible, high-quality pulmonary rehabilitation programs within the region is a strong indicator of good COPD care. The program’s accessibility (location, transportation, cost), the qualifications of the staff (respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists), and the program's adherence to evidence-based practices are all important considerations.

The COPD Score is further influenced by the availability of resources like smoking cessation programs. Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation, provide access to counseling and medication, and collaborate with community organizations on tobacco control efforts would receive a higher score. The success rates of these programs are also relevant.

Finally, the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region plays a role. The presence of well-equipped hospitals with specialized respiratory care units, access to advanced diagnostic tools (e.g., high-resolution CT scans), and the availability of emergency services for COPD exacerbations all contribute to a higher COPD Score. The coordination of care between hospitals, primary care practices, and specialists is also critical.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 18507 and primary care availability in Moosic requires a multifaceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the quality of standout practices, assessing the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the availability of mental health resources and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The score is ultimately a reflection of the overall capacity of the healthcare system to provide comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality care for COPD patients.

To gain a visual representation of these factors and their geographic distribution, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help visualize physician locations, resource availability, and other relevant data points, providing a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape in 18507 and Moosic. **Explore the power of data visualization – visit CartoChrome maps to see the bigger picture.**