18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.90 percent of the residents in 18623 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.08 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 18623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18623. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 490 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 401 health care providers accessible to residents in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Laceyville, PA (ZIP Code 18623) – Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape in Laceyville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18623) through the lens of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors in providing effective COPD care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "COPD Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses for residents of Laceyville.

The core of any COPD care strategy hinges on access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Determining a precise physician-to-patient ratio in Laceyville is challenging due to data limitations. Publicly available information, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide population estimates, but the exact number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code requires more granular data. This necessitates accessing databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) physician directory or contacting local hospitals and clinics directly. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly impede timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management of COPD. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially leading to delayed interventions and worsening health outcomes.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices in Laceyville play a critical role. Factors to consider include the size of the practice, the availability of specialized equipment for COPD diagnosis and monitoring (e.g., spirometry), and the presence of certified respiratory therapists or other support staff. Practices with a multidisciplinary approach, involving nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially pulmonologists (if available through referral), are better equipped to provide comprehensive COPD care. This team-based approach fosters better patient education, medication adherence, and early intervention for exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element in the COPD Score assessment. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in managing chronic conditions like COPD, especially in rural areas like Laceyville, where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telehealth platforms enable remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations. This can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improving patient convenience and potentially preventing hospitalizations. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine technologies would receive a higher score in this assessment, reflecting their commitment to patient-centered care and improved accessibility.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through readily accessible referrals, is essential. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health providers would be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score. This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of COPD patients and promotes overall well-being.

Identifying "standout practices" within Laceyville is crucial. This requires going beyond basic metrics and assessing the quality of care provided. This could involve reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing patient satisfaction surveys, and examining data on COPD-related hospitalizations and readmission rates. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive disease management, and a patient-centered approach would be recognized as leaders in COPD care. This also includes practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD management.

The COPD Score for Laceyville will ultimately be a composite of these various factors. A practice with a high score would have a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a well-equipped and multidisciplinary team, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily accessible mental health resources. Conversely, a practice with a lower score might face challenges in any or all of these areas, potentially impacting the quality and accessibility of COPD care for residents of Laceyville.

The overall assessment is designed to provide a snapshot of the current situation and identify areas for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to advocate for better COPD care in Laceyville. Addressing any identified gaps in care requires a collaborative effort, involving healthcare providers, hospitals, community organizations, and government agencies. This could involve initiatives to recruit more PCPs to the area, expand telemedicine infrastructure, enhance mental health services, and promote patient education programs.

To accurately assess the primary care landscape in Laceyville and develop a comprehensive COPD Score, it is essential to gather data from various sources, including physician directories, hospital records, patient surveys, and public health data. This data-driven approach will provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Laceyville. By assessing the availability and quality of primary care services, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards a healthcare system that effectively addresses the unique needs of this vulnerable population. A well-coordinated and patient-centered approach is essential for optimizing COPD management and reducing the burden of this chronic disease.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laceyville, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider exploring the power of spatial data visualization with CartoChrome maps. **Contact CartoChrome today to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the primary care environment in your area.**