18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.05 percent of the residents in 18701 has some form of health insurance. 29.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.79 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 18701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 541 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18701. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 675 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,902 health care providers accessible to residents in 18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Wilkes-Barre, PA (ZIP Code 18701)

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18701), presents a unique landscape for COPD management, demanding a nuanced understanding of its healthcare resources. Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) is crucial, as they serve as the initial point of contact and often manage the majority of COPD cases. A comprehensive "COPD Score" analysis, considering various factors, reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. This analysis focuses on key aspects like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, aiming to provide a practical overview.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Wilkes-Barre, specifically within the 18701 ZIP code, is a critical factor. A higher ratio of patients per PCP can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of chronic conditions like COPD. Research into the available data, using platforms like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or publicly available healthcare databases, is essential to determine the actual ratio. This data should be compared to national and state averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care. A concerningly high ratio would warrant further investigation, potentially highlighting the need for initiatives to attract and retain more PCPs in the area.

Identifying standout practices in Wilkes-Barre is key to understanding best practices in COPD care. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria. Look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to early and accurate diagnosis, utilizing spirometry and other diagnostic tools effectively. Practices that emphasize patient education, providing resources on medication management, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are also highly valuable. Furthermore, practices that actively monitor patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed, are crucial. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) within the practice can significantly enhance the quality of care, providing specialized support for patients. Gathering patient reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by individual practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Examining the extent to which PCPs in 18701 utilize telemedicine for COPD management is important. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual support groups. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD care protocols can serve as models for others, showcasing the benefits of remote care. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a significant factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in COPD care, but it is extremely important. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Assessing the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals is crucial. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and provide access to counseling, therapy, or psychiatric support are better equipped to provide holistic care. Collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is essential to address the complex needs of COPD patients. The presence of support groups and educational programs focused on mental health can also be very beneficial.

Analyzing the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a critical aspect of COPD care. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes exercise training, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Evaluating the number of programs available in Wilkes-Barre, their accessibility, and the services they offer is essential. The programs should be easily accessible, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate patients' needs. The presence of a multidisciplinary team, including respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists, and nurses, is also an important factor.

The overall "COPD Score" for Wilkes-Barre, 18701, would be a composite score based on the factors discussed. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, strong integration of mental health resources, and readily available pulmonary rehabilitation programs. A lower score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, and enhancing the integration of mental health services. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the healthcare landscape are necessary to track progress and identify areas for further development.

Data-driven analysis is key to a successful COPD Score. This involves gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including healthcare databases, patient surveys, and practice websites. The data should be used to create a detailed profile of the healthcare landscape in Wilkes-Barre, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The analysis should be updated regularly to track progress and ensure that the healthcare system is meeting the needs of COPD patients.

Improving the COPD Score in Wilkes-Barre requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. This includes initiatives to attract and retain more PCPs, promote telemedicine adoption, integrate mental health services, and expand access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in educating patients about COPD and the resources available to them. The goal is to create a healthcare ecosystem that provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with COPD.

This analysis is a starting point. To truly visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, consider using advanced mapping tools.

**To visualize the data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilkes-Barre, PA (ZIP Code 18701), we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and areas of need. They can be used to gain valuable insights into the availability of healthcare resources, the distribution of patients, and the effectiveness of current programs. Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about how their mapping solutions can enhance your understanding of COPD care in Wilkes-Barre.**