15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.83 percent of the residents in 15533 has some form of health insurance. 56.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.65 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 15533 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15533. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 155 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 392 health care providers accessible to residents in 15533, Breezewood, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Breezewood, PA (ZIP Code 15533)

Analyzing the COPD care landscape within Breezewood, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15533) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care physician availability, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Our assessment focuses on factors impacting patient outcomes and access to care, ultimately assigning a hypothetical “COPD Score” reflecting the overall health of the local COPD ecosystem.

Breezewood, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited access to specialized medical care. This can significantly impact COPD management, which often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The analysis will assess the availability of these resources within and surrounding the ZIP code.

**Primary Care Physician Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A critical factor in COPD management is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms and are crucial in diagnosing, managing, and coordinating care for COPD patients. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within 15533 is paramount. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other sources will be examined to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas that serve residents. The ideal ratio, of course, is lower, signifying more access. A high ratio indicates a potential shortage, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the distribution of PCPs within the area. Are they concentrated in specific locations, potentially creating access disparities for residents living in more remote areas of Breezewood? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers will also be assessed, as these organizations often play a vital role in providing care to underserved populations, including those with chronic conditions like COPD.

**Standout Practices & Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local PCPs. This assessment will leverage publicly available data, patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), and, if possible, information from healthcare quality organizations. Key indicators of quality include:

* **Adherence to COPD guidelines:** Are physicians following established guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and management of COPD, including appropriate use of medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and smoking cessation counseling?
* **Patient satisfaction:** How satisfied are patients with their care, including their access to appointments, the communication with their physicians, and the overall quality of their care?
* **COPD-specific outcomes:** Are patients experiencing improved lung function, reduced exacerbations (flare-ups), and improved quality of life?
* **Preventive care:** Are physicians proactively addressing risk factors for COPD, such as smoking cessation counseling and influenza/pneumonia vaccinations?

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality COPD care will be highlighted. This may include those that offer specialized services, such as respiratory therapy, or those that have implemented innovative approaches to patient management.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve COPD care, particularly in rural areas like Breezewood. Remote monitoring of patients' vital signs, virtual consultations with specialists, and telehealth-delivered pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help overcome geographical barriers and provide timely access to care.

The analysis will examine the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring systems, and telehealth-delivered education and support programs. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their COPD care model will be recognized for their efforts to improve access and patient outcomes. The availability of reliable internet access within the community will also be considered, as this is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

**Mental Health Resources & Integrated Care:**

COPD often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care.

The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The presence of integrated care models, where mental health services are provided in conjunction with primary care or pulmonology services, will be particularly valued. Practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health support will be recognized for their commitment to addressing the holistic needs of COPD patients. This will include identifying any partnerships with behavioral health specialists or support groups.

**Overall COPD Score & Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, a hypothetical “COPD Score” will be assigned to the Breezewood area. This score will reflect the overall health of the COPD care ecosystem, considering the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the local COPD care landscape.

This analysis highlights the complexities of providing effective COPD care in a rural setting. Addressing the challenges of limited access to specialized care, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and ensuring access to mental health resources are crucial steps in improving patient outcomes.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Breezewood and surrounding areas, including the distribution of healthcare providers and access to care, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides valuable insights into healthcare access and resource allocation, empowering individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.