18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.59 percent of the residents in 18655 has some form of health insurance. 42.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.42 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 18655 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,007 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18655. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,327 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 18655, Shickshinny, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Shickshinny, PA (ZIP Code 18655)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within Shickshinny, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18655) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial factors in determining a COPD score and ultimately, patient outcomes.

**Physician Density and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a limited number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced time per patient, and potentially, inadequate management of chronic conditions like COPD. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Shickshinny requires accessing local healthcare data, which may include state medical board databases, county health department statistics, and information from healthcare networks. The ideal scenario is a ratio that allows for timely appointments, comprehensive assessments, and proactive care.

The geographical distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are practices clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Shickshinny underserved? This spatial analysis can reveal potential disparities in access. Furthermore, the types of primary care practices available are relevant. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger practices often have more resources, including respiratory therapists, specialized equipment, and integrated care models, potentially leading to better COPD management.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple physician counts. Practices that excel in COPD care often demonstrate specific characteristics. These include a proactive approach to patient education, robust patient monitoring systems, and a commitment to evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Key indicators of a practice's COPD focus are its use of spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool. Practices that regularly perform and interpret spirometry results are better equipped to diagnose and monitor COPD progression. Another important aspect is the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs, often run by respiratory therapists, provide patients with education, exercise training, and support to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

A practice's commitment to patient education is also a significant factor. Do they provide patients with detailed information about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies? Do they offer support groups or educational materials? The best practices actively engage patients in their care, empowering them to take control of their health.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers significant potential for improving COPD care, particularly in rural areas like Shickshinny. Telehealth allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and facilitating more frequent check-ins. This is especially valuable for patients with COPD, who may experience shortness of breath and other symptoms that make travel difficult.

The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the area is a key factor in the COPD score. Practices that offer virtual visits, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as pulmonologists, who may not be readily available in Shickshinny.

Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing the types of telehealth services offered, the ease of use of the technology, and the patient satisfaction with these services. Practices that have integrated telemedicine seamlessly into their workflow and have trained staff to support its use are likely to achieve the best results.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD:**

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 physical and social limitations imposed by the disease. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care.

Assessing the availability of mental health support involves identifying the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices or in the surrounding community. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers available to provide counseling and support? Are there resources for accessing mental health medications?

The integration of mental health services into COPD care is also important. Do primary care physicians screen patients for mental health issues? Do they have referral pathways to mental health specialists? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these services are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

**Overall COPD Score and Considerations:**

Based on the above analysis, a COPD score for Shickshinny (18655) can be developed. This score would reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of standout practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

It's important to note that this analysis is based on readily available information and general principles. A comprehensive COPD score would require in-depth data collection and analysis, including patient surveys, practice audits, and consultation with healthcare professionals.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the landscape of primary care and the resources available for COPD management in Shickshinny is vital for improving patient outcomes. By considering physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of this data, including the geographic distribution of physicians, practice locations, and other relevant information, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a dynamic platform for visualizing healthcare data, enabling you to gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions.