18801, Montrose, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18801, Montrose, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.67 percent of the residents in 18801 has some form of health insurance. 41.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.99 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 18801 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,512 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18801. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 248 health care providers accessible to residents in 18801, Montrose, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Montrose, PA (ZIP Code 18801)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 18801 (Montrose, PA), focusing on factors crucial for managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of comprehensive COPD care.

Montrose, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Geographic isolation, an aging population, and potential disparities in socioeconomic status can exacerbate the difficulties associated with managing a chronic condition like COPD. This analysis aims to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape to inform patients and healthcare providers alike.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per capita, generally translates to shorter wait times, easier access to appointments, and potentially more personalized care. In Montrose (18801), the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into this metric. Analyzing this data reveals whether the community has an adequate supply of primary care physicians to meet the needs of the population, particularly those with chronic conditions like COPD.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code. Are physicians clustered in specific areas, potentially leaving some residents with limited access? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers that serve a significant portion of the population? Understanding the geographic distribution of primary care providers is essential for assessing access to care for all residents, including those with COPD.

**Practice Characteristics and COPD Management:**

Beyond physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of individual primary care practices significantly impact COPD care quality. This assessment evaluates factors such as the availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT), a critical diagnostic tool for COPD. Practices with readily available PFTs can facilitate earlier diagnosis and more frequent monitoring of lung function, leading to better disease management.

Another important consideration is the practice's approach to patient education and self-management. Does the practice offer or readily refer patients to COPD education programs? Does the practice provide resources on smoking cessation, medication adherence, and breathing techniques? Practices that actively promote patient education and self-management strategies empower individuals to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in COPD care. This could include practices with a strong focus on patient education, those that consistently achieve positive outcomes in COPD management (e.g., reduced exacerbations, improved lung function), or those that have implemented innovative approaches to care delivery. Such practices often serve as models for other providers in the community.

Information about standout practices can be gathered through various means, including patient reviews, peer recommendations, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. The analysis should highlight specific practices that are recognized for their commitment to providing high-quality COPD care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Montrose. The analysis investigates the extent to which primary care practices in 18801 have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes the use of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and electronic communication platforms.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients by enabling them to receive timely medical advice, manage their symptoms remotely, and avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor's office. The analysis should assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the patient population served, and the perceived impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care:**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and ability to manage their COPD. The analysis evaluates the availability of mental health resources within the community and the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health services into their COPD care.

This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health providers, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or collaborate with mental health organizations in the community. Integrated care models, where mental health and primary care services are coordinated, have been shown to improve outcomes for patients with both COPD and mental health conditions.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

The COPD Score analysis for Montrose (18801) provides a comprehensive overview of the local healthcare landscape, focusing on factors that impact COPD care. This assessment identifies strengths and weaknesses in primary care access, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

Understanding these factors is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their care, while providers can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the quality of COPD management.

To visualize the data and explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Montrose and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the geographic context of healthcare access and identifying potential disparities.