18930, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18930, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.88 percent of the residents in 18930 has some form of health insurance. 45.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.71 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 18930 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 360 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18930. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 619 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,864 health care providers accessible to residents in 18930, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care Landscape in Kintnersville, PA (ZIP Code 18930)**

Kintnersville, Pennsylvania, nestled within the 18930 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge when assessing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis delves into the existing healthcare ecosystem, evaluating factors crucial for COPD patient care, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of supporting mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'COPD Score' analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any COPD care plan rests on accessible and competent primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio within the 18930 ZIP code is a critical indicator. While precise, up-to-the-minute ratios are difficult to obtain due to constantly shifting physician availability and patient populations, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) provide estimates. These estimates, when combined with local knowledge and information from healthcare directories, allow for a determination of the density of PCPs per capita. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates greater access to care. The analysis would consider the presence of family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and any pulmonologists practicing within a reasonable radius of Kintnersville. This initial assessment forms the base of the COPD Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the existing practices significantly influence the quality of COPD care. The analysis would scrutinize the practices themselves. Are they accepting new patients? Do they have experience managing COPD patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments, critical for patients facing exacerbations? The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as spirometry testing (essential for COPD diagnosis and monitoring), is also a vital factor. Furthermore, the analysis would assess the practice's affiliation with larger healthcare systems, which can provide access to specialists, resources, and integrated care models. Practices with a demonstrable commitment to patient education and chronic disease management would receive higher scores. This component of the analysis would evaluate the presence of dedicated COPD education programs, support groups, and patient-centered care plans.

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, especially for patients with chronic conditions. The analysis would investigate the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in the 18930 ZIP code. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups or medication management? Are remote monitoring tools, such as connected spirometers or pulse oximeters, utilized to track patient health and intervene proactively? Telemedicine's ability to reduce travel burdens, especially for patients with breathing difficulties, makes it a critical component of the COPD Score. Practices actively embracing telemedicine would be awarded higher scores.

The psychological impact of COPD is often underestimated. Living with a chronic respiratory illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health resources within the Kintnersville area. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, who are accepting new patients? Do PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health services? The presence of support groups or counseling services specifically designed for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions would also contribute to a higher score. The integration of mental health services into the overall COPD care plan is crucial for holistic patient well-being.

Identifying standout practices within the 18930 ZIP code is a key objective. Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to COPD care, as evidenced by a high physician-to-patient ratio, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, would be highlighted. The analysis would identify practices that have earned positive patient reviews and testimonials, reflecting a patient-centered approach to care. These practices would serve as models for best practices in COPD management within the Kintnersville area. Specific names of practices would be included to provide the most value to the reader.

The COPD Score, therefore, would be a composite metric reflecting the various factors discussed above. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, would be assigned a weighted value based on its perceived importance in COPD care. The weighted values would be combined to generate an overall score, providing a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape in the 18930 ZIP code. This score would provide a benchmark for assessing the quality and accessibility of COPD care in Kintnersville.

The final score would be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. It would highlight areas where the healthcare system excels and areas where improvements are needed. The analysis would also provide recommendations for improving COPD care, such as increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health services. The ultimate goal is to empower patients and healthcare providers with the information they need to make informed decisions and improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Kintnersville.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize physician density, practice locations, and the proximity of healthcare resources to your location. Explore the healthcare landscape of Kintnersville and beyond.