18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.73 percent of the residents in 18640 has some form of health insurance. 46.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.40 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 18640 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,699 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18640. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,816 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 18640, Pittston, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18640)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18640), focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources. The goal is to provide a COPD Score, reflecting the overall ease of access to and quality of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. This score will consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health services, all critical components for effective COPD management.

The foundation of COPD care in Pittston lies with its primary care physicians. Determining a precise physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, specifically the population within ZIP Code 18640, needs to be cross-referenced with the number of actively practicing PCPs. This calculation provides a baseline understanding of access. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per patient, generally indicates better access. However, this ratio alone is insufficient. The analysis must also consider the capacity of each practice to manage COPD patients, including the availability of spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool.

Identifying standout practices within Pittston is essential. These practices demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This involves evaluating factors beyond the basic physician-to-patient ratio. Key indicators include: the presence of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized COPD training; the implementation of structured COPD management programs, including patient education and self-management strategies; and the availability of on-site respiratory therapists or access to respiratory therapy services. Practices actively participating in regional or national COPD quality improvement initiatives should also be recognized.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Examining the extent of telemedicine integration within Pittston's primary care practices is vital. This involves assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and patient education. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or peak flow meters, which allow patients to track their lung function at home and share data with their physician, is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

The significant link between COPD and mental health demands careful consideration. COPD patients often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the chronic nature of their illness and the limitations it imposes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is a crucial aspect of a comprehensive COPD Score. The analysis should investigate whether practices screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling or therapy, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Integration of mental health services is essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Specific examples of practices and their offerings will contribute to the COPD Score. For instance, a practice with a dedicated COPD clinic, offering spirometry, respiratory therapy, and mental health counseling, would receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources. Similarly, a practice actively utilizing telemedicine for follow-up appointments and patient education would be rated more favorably. The score will also reflect the availability of support groups, patient education materials, and access to smoking cessation programs, all crucial components of effective COPD management.

The assessment will also consider the accessibility of pharmacies within the ZIP code that specialize in respiratory medications and offer patient support services, such as medication counseling and adherence programs. Furthermore, the availability of home healthcare services, including respiratory therapists who can provide in-home care and education, is another important factor. This holistic approach ensures that the COPD Score reflects a comprehensive assessment of the care landscape in Pittston.

The overall COPD Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the individual factors discussed. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. The final score will provide a valuable benchmark for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in Pittston, allowing for targeted improvements and resource allocation.

This analysis aims to provide a clear picture of COPD care in Pittston. The data will be gathered from public sources, practice websites, and potentially through surveys of local physicians and patient advocacy groups. The goal is to create a useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

The final COPD Score will provide a snapshot of the current state of care. It will also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician-to-patient ratios, expanding telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services. This information can then be used to advocate for policy changes, resource allocation, and community-based initiatives to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Pittston.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. Factors such as income levels, access to transportation, and health insurance coverage can significantly influence a patient's ability to access and afford necessary medical care. The analysis will attempt to account for these factors, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by COPD patients in Pittston.

This comprehensive approach ensures a robust and informative COPD Score that accurately reflects the realities of COPD care in Pittston, PA.

**Ready to visualize the data and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Pittston? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the COPD care landscape. Visit CartoChrome today to unlock valuable insights and make informed decisions.**