15834, Emporium, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15834, Emporium, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.28 percent of the residents in 15834 has some form of health insurance. 59.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.62 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 15834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 803 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 390 health care providers accessible to residents in 15834, Emporium, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15834 and Primary Care Availability in Emporium

The analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care services for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within the 15834 ZIP code, encompassing Emporium, Pennsylvania. Assessing the COPD care landscape requires considering physician density, practice characteristics, the integration of telehealth, and access to mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Emporium, a rural community, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The geographical isolation and demographic profile, which may include a higher proportion of elderly residents and individuals with a history of smoking, contribute to a potentially elevated prevalence of COPD. Therefore, a robust primary care infrastructure is essential for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and ongoing disease management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care**

One of the primary indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural setting like Emporium, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts patient access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The analysis will need to consider the number of practicing PCPs within the 15834 ZIP code and compare it to the estimated population. This ratio provides a fundamental understanding of the potential burden on existing healthcare resources.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, who are crucial for managing advanced COPD cases. While primary care physicians often handle the initial diagnosis and management of COPD, access to specialized care is vital for patients with complex conditions or those requiring advanced interventions. The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists in the surrounding areas significantly impact the overall COPD Score.

**Practice Characteristics and Quality of Care**

The characteristics of primary care practices within the 15834 ZIP code are critical to the quality of COPD care. Factors such as the size of the practice, the types of services offered, and the adoption of evidence-based practices all contribute to the effectiveness of COPD management.

Larger practices may have more resources, including specialized staff like respiratory therapists and nurses trained in COPD care. They may also be more likely to have implemented standardized protocols for COPD diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. The availability of on-site pulmonary function testing (PFT) is another crucial factor. PFTs are essential for accurately diagnosing and monitoring COPD progression. Practices that offer these services on-site can provide more timely and convenient care.

The analysis should also evaluate the practice's commitment to patient education and self-management support. COPD patients benefit significantly from education on topics such as medication adherence, proper inhaler technique, and lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation. Practices that offer educational resources, support groups, and personalized care plans are likely to provide a higher quality of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care for COPD patients in rural areas. Virtual consultations can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to see their physicians regularly. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients' symptoms and medication adherence, allowing for proactive interventions and preventing exacerbations.

The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the 15834 ZIP code have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

**Mental Health Resources and COPD Management**

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, access to mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive COPD care.

The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the 15834 ZIP code and the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening and treatment into their COPD care plans. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are better equipped to address the psychological needs of their COPD patients.

**Standout Practices and Areas for Improvement**

Identifying standout practices within the 15834 ZIP code is crucial for recognizing and replicating best practices. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches to COPD care, such as integrating respiratory therapists into their care teams, using telemedicine for remote monitoring, or offering comprehensive patient education programs.

The analysis will also highlight areas for improvement. This may include a need for increased physician density, expanded access to specialized care, greater adoption of telemedicine technologies, or improved integration of mental health services. Identifying these areas will inform strategies for improving the overall COPD Score and enhancing the quality of care for patients in Emporium.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Assessing the COPD Score for the 15834 ZIP code requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem and identify opportunities for improvement.

For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Emporium and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialized services, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution. Contact us today to learn more about how CartoChrome can help you gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.