19079, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19079, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.17 percent of the residents in 19079 has some form of health insurance. 51.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.93 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 19079 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,599 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 407 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19079. An estimate of 94 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,163 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 90,410 health care providers accessible to residents in 19079, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Sharon Hill, PA (ZIP Code 19079)

This analysis focuses on assessing the availability and quality of primary care resources in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19079), specifically concerning their ability to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We will evaluate factors crucial for effective COPD care, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all within the context of the local healthcare landscape. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" perspective, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the area's capacity to support patients living with this chronic respiratory illness.

Sharon Hill, a small borough in Delaware County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Its proximity to Philadelphia provides both opportunities and hurdles. While residents have access to larger healthcare systems, the local infrastructure must be robust to ensure timely and appropriate care for conditions like COPD, which requires ongoing management.

One of the fundamental metrics for COPD care is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Accurately determining this ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) specifically within the 19079 ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide population estimates, while physician directories and insurance provider networks offer insights into the number of practicing PCPs. A concerningly high ratio would negatively impact the COPD score.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate excellence in COPD management through various means. They might have a dedicated respiratory therapist on staff, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) onsite, or participate in disease management programs. Furthermore, their adherence to national guidelines for COPD treatment, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), is a key indicator of quality. Reviews from patients and their reported experiences, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience, are crucial. Practices actively involved in community outreach and patient education programs would also receive high marks.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual check-in appointments, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance the overall management of COPD. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or peak flow rates, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine. The level of telemedicine integration will be a factor in the COPD score.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of COPD care. Living with COPD can be physically and emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This could include access to support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care. The integration of mental health resources will significantly influence the COPD score.

The specific practices within Sharon Hill need individual evaluation. This involves researching each practice’s website, reviewing patient testimonials, and, if possible, contacting the practices directly to inquire about their COPD management protocols. This research will assess the availability of the services mentioned above, including physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of specialty care within a reasonable distance. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of COPD management, access to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists is essential for complex cases or when disease progression requires advanced interventions. The proximity of hospitals with pulmonary departments and access to specialized equipment, such as bronchoscopes and ventilators, is another important consideration.

The overall COPD score for Sharon Hill, PA, will be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare infrastructure with a sufficient number of PCPs, standout practices with comprehensive COPD management programs, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would reflect challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for COPD patients.

To further enhance this analysis and provide a visually compelling representation of the data, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome allows for the creation of interactive maps that visualize healthcare data, including physician locations, practice ratings, and access to specialized services. By mapping these factors, you can quickly identify areas of strength and weakness within the 19079 ZIP code and surrounding areas, enabling a more informed assessment of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients.