15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.79 percent of the residents in 15936 has some form of health insurance. 45.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.65 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 15936 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 206 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15936. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 405 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,756 health care providers accessible to residents in 15936, Hooversville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Hooversville (ZIP Code 15936)

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, especially concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within Hooversville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15936) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD care. The data available is limited, and this analysis will rely on publicly accessible information, general healthcare trends, and reasonable assumptions.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Hooversville is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face shortages of primary care physicians, impacting access to timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management of chronic conditions like COPD. While precise physician counts for this specific ZIP code are difficult to obtain without proprietary data, we can extrapolate based on county-level data and general rural healthcare trends. Assuming a typical rural area ratio, the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents is likely lower than the national average. This scarcity necessitates longer wait times for appointments and potentially increased reliance on emergency room visits for COPD exacerbations.

Evaluating the quality of existing primary care practices involves assessing several factors. This includes the availability of board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized training in respiratory medicine, a crucial aspect of COPD care. Practices should ideally offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) to diagnose and monitor COPD progression. Accessibility to spirometry, a common PFT, is essential. Furthermore, the adoption of evidence-based treatment guidelines, including inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation support, is paramount. Without specific practice data, it's difficult to identify standout practices. However, practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, or those actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, are more likely to offer these comprehensive services.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in addressing healthcare access challenges, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate medication management, symptom monitoring, and remote pulmonary rehabilitation. The level of telemedicine adoption within Hooversville practices is crucial. Practices actively using telemedicine for COPD management, including virtual check-ins, medication refills, and remote monitoring of vital signs, would receive a higher COPD Score. The absence of telemedicine capabilities would negatively impact the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD care, yet they are critical. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, is vital for providing holistic care. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices, or the ease of referral to external mental health providers, is a key component of a high COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer mental health support services, either in-house or through strong referral networks, are crucial for better patient outcomes.

Further, the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another critical factor. These programs, which include exercise training, education, and support, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. The presence of such programs within or near Hooversville would positively influence the COPD Score. The lack of these programs would represent a significant gap in care.

Considering these factors, we can formulate a hypothetical COPD Score for the primary care landscape in Hooversville. Due to the likely physician shortage, the score will be negatively impacted. The score will also be affected by the availability of specialized respiratory care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. The presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs will positively influence the score. Based on these assumptions, the overall COPD Score for primary care in Hooversville, ZIP code 15936, is likely to be moderate, with areas for significant improvement.

To improve the COPD Score, several strategies are essential. Recruiting more primary care physicians, especially those with expertise in respiratory medicine, is a priority. Expanding telemedicine capabilities to include remote monitoring and virtual consultations is crucial. Integrating mental health services into primary care practices is also necessary. Establishing or supporting pulmonary rehabilitation programs will significantly improve patient outcomes.

Finally, the availability of information on physician quality, practice characteristics, and resource availability is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their care. Publicly accessible data, such as physician profiles, practice websites, and patient reviews, can help patients navigate the healthcare system and find the best possible care.

For a more detailed and visually insightful understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hooversville, including the location of healthcare providers, access to resources, and demographic data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize and analyze geographic data, offering a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.