18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.61 percent of the residents in 18828 has some form of health insurance. 47.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.84 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 18828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Lawton, PA (ZIP Code 18828)

Analyzing the COPD landscape within Lawton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18828) requires a multifaceted approach. We must assess the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the integration of supportive resources. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current situation, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare infrastructure.

The first critical element is primary care physician (PCP) density. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A low ratio (fewer patients per doctor) generally suggests greater access to care. Publicly available data, often through sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards, can be used to calculate this ratio. However, accessing precise, up-to-the-minute data for a specific ZIP code can be challenging. A high ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, could significantly impact COPD care. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, making timely diagnosis and management difficult. This scarcity also puts additional strain on existing physicians, potentially limiting the time they can dedicate to each patient, particularly those with complex chronic conditions like COPD.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes physician experience, training, and specialization. Identifying practices with a demonstrated focus on respiratory health is vital. Are there physicians in the area who have completed fellowships or have specific certifications in pulmonary medicine or related fields? Do practices actively participate in quality improvement programs, such as those focused on COPD management? These factors contribute to the overall COPD score, indicating the likelihood that patients receive evidence-based care.

Standout practices in the area would likely be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD management. This includes not only diagnosis and treatment but also patient education, smoking cessation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation services. Practices that have integrated these elements into their care models are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This might involve partnerships with local hospitals or clinics to provide access to specialized services like pulmonary function testing and respiratory therapy.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management can greatly enhance COPD care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce the burden on patients, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of their condition. This is particularly relevant in Lawton, where geographical factors might impact access to in-person appointments.

Mental health resources are also critical. COPD often co-exists with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models can improve patient outcomes. This might involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or the use of telehealth to provide mental health support. Assessing the availability of these resources is a key component of the COPD score.

The overall COPD score for the area is therefore a composite measure, weighing the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score suggests a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of effectively managing COPD. A low score indicates areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, enhancing training in COPD management, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 18828 would need to be individually assessed to determine their contribution to the overall score. This would involve gathering information on their physician staffing, the services they offer, their participation in quality improvement programs, and their use of telemedicine. This information can often be found through online directories, practice websites, and patient reviews.

The analysis also needs to consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. The presence of hospitals, specialty clinics, and support groups can significantly impact the quality of COPD care. Access to these resources can provide patients with additional support and enhance their overall well-being.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population served by the primary care physicians in the area. The prevalence of COPD can vary depending on factors such as age, smoking history, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these demographics can help to tailor care to the specific needs of the population.

In conclusion, a comprehensive COPD score analysis for Lawton, PA (ZIP Code 18828) is a complex undertaking. It requires a detailed examination of primary care availability, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The resulting score provides a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare infrastructure and identifies areas for improvement.

To visualize this complex data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Lawton, PA, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.