18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.17 percent of the residents in 18706 has some form of health insurance. 51.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.99 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 18706 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,622 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18706. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,080 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,835 health care providers accessible to residents in 18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Wilkes Barre, PA (ZIP Code 18706)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 18706 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as a "COPD Score," considers various factors crucial for effective patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 18706 is crucial. This data should be compared to both the national average and the state average for Pennsylvania to assess the relative accessibility of primary care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards will be essential in determining this ratio. A low ratio might signal a need for initiatives to attract and retain primary care physicians in the area.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by individual primary care providers and clinics within the 18706 ZIP code. This assessment goes beyond simply counting the number of physicians. It requires examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, the availability of specialized equipment like pulmonary function testing (PFT) machines, and the integration of care coordination services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these factors, as well as having a dedicated focus on COPD management, should be highlighted. This evaluation can be based on publicly available information such as patient reviews, accreditation status, and participation in quality improvement programs.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including improved access to care for patients with mobility limitations, reduced travel time and costs, and increased opportunities for remote monitoring and patient education. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in 18706 is essential. This includes determining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools (such as wearable devices that track vital signs), and online patient portals for communication and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can be considered to be more patient-centric.

The impact of COPD on mental health cannot be overstated. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the physical limitations and chronic nature of their condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. This assessment needs to identify the presence of mental health providers within the 18706 ZIP code, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. It also needs to evaluate the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Are mental health professionals co-located with primary care providers? Are there referral pathways in place to facilitate access to mental health services? Does the local hospital have a dedicated pulmonary rehabilitation program?

The "COPD Score" for 18706 should also consider the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These programs provide patients with education, exercise training, and psychosocial support to help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The presence of such programs within the ZIP code, or within a reasonable travel distance, is a significant indicator of the quality of COPD care.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of community resources that support COPD patients. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to respiratory therapists. The availability of these resources can help patients manage their condition more effectively and improve their overall well-being.

Data collection is crucial. This involves gathering information from multiple sources. This includes reviewing publicly available data from government agencies, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups. It also involves conducting interviews with primary care providers, patients, and other stakeholders in the community.

A comprehensive analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on COPD care. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all negatively impact patients' ability to manage their condition. The analysis should identify any disparities in access to care and make recommendations for addressing these issues.

The final "COPD Score" should be a composite measure that reflects the overall quality of COPD care within the 18706 ZIP code. The score can be presented as a numerical value or a letter grade, with a clear explanation of the methodology used to calculate the score. The score should be accompanied by a detailed report that identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provides recommendations for improvement.

The report should also include specific recommendations for improvement. This might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area, expanding telemedicine services, integrating mental health services into primary care practices, and promoting the use of evidence-based guidelines for COPD management.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD landscape in Wilkes Barre, PA, requires a thorough evaluation of multiple factors. Understanding physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing the availability of mental health resources are all crucial. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and ultimately enhance the quality of care for individuals living with COPD. The resulting "COPD Score" will provide a valuable tool for patients, providers, and policymakers alike.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wilkes Barre, PA, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources and patient populations, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant factors, ultimately aiding in the development of more effective and targeted healthcare strategies.