19374, Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 19374, Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 19374 has some form of health insurance. 33.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.83 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 19374 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 74 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19374. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 165 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,125 health care providers accessible to residents in 19374, Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19374 and Primary Care in Toughkenamon

Assessing the quality of COPD care and primary care availability in a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 19374, encompassing the area around Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, evaluating physician density, practice characteristics, and resource accessibility. A "COPD Score," though not a formal metric, will be constructed based on these factors, providing a relative understanding of the care landscape.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in physician density. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. In ZIP code 19374, determining the precise ratio necessitates accessing publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, cross-referencing it with physician directories. This involves identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), pulmonologists, and other specialists likely involved in COPD management practicing within the defined area. The population of 19374 is then divided by the number of physicians to derive the ratio. A higher ratio suggests a potentially lower availability of care, especially for patients with chronic conditions like COPD, who require regular monitoring and follow-up.

Beyond simple numbers, the types of practices and their characteristics are crucial. Are the practices primarily solo practices, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty groups? Larger groups often have the advantage of greater resources, including access to specialized equipment, support staff, and a wider range of expertise. This is particularly relevant for COPD care, which may require pulmonary function testing, respiratory therapy, and access to specialists. Investigating the presence of pulmonologists within the ZIP code or in close proximity is critical. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists is another factor, as these professionals play a vital role in educating patients about breathing techniques, medication management, and disease self-management.

The integration of technology, specifically telemedicine, has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic disease management. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, reduce travel time, and facilitate more frequent monitoring. The "COPD Score" will consider the adoption of telemedicine by practices in 19374. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to score higher, reflecting a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management.

Mental health is often overlooked in the context of COPD, but it is a critical component of overall well-being. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a key factor in this analysis. This includes assessing whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or collaborate with behavioral health providers. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources will receive a higher score.

Specific practices within 19374 and the surrounding areas deserve individual scrutiny. Identifying standout practices requires examining patient reviews, practice websites, and information from healthcare rating organizations. These practices may be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their use of technology, or their commitment to providing comprehensive COPD care. For example, a practice with a dedicated COPD clinic, offering pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or actively participating in clinical trials would likely be considered a high-scoring practice.

The "COPD Score" is not a static number but a relative assessment based on the factors discussed. The score would be higher for areas with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a concentration of larger, well-equipped practices, a strong adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, areas with limited physician access, a lack of technological integration, and inadequate mental health support would receive a lower score. The score serves as a guide, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in the care landscape.

The accessibility of primary care in Toughkenamon is closely linked to the overall COPD score. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with respiratory symptoms and play a crucial role in early diagnosis, disease management, and referral to specialists. Therefore, a robust primary care network is essential for effective COPD care. The analysis must consider the availability of PCPs within Toughkenamon and the surrounding areas, the ease of access to appointments, and the quality of care provided by these physicians.

The analysis should also consider the geographic challenges of the area. Is Toughkenamon a rural area with limited public transportation? If so, this could impact access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations. The availability of transportation assistance programs or the presence of practices that offer home visits would be positive factors.

Furthermore, the analysis must incorporate information on insurance coverage and affordability. The cost of healthcare, including physician visits, medications, and respiratory therapy, can be a significant barrier to care. The analysis should consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who struggle to afford care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of COPD care and primary care availability in ZIP code 19374 requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, mental health resources, and geographic considerations. The "COPD Score" provides a relative measure of the care landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 19374 and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, offering valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of care in the area.