16214, Clarion, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16214, Clarion, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.62 percent of the residents in 16214 has some form of health insurance. 27.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.56 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 16214 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16214. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,003 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 454 health care providers accessible to residents in 16214, Clarion, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care & Respiratory Health in Clarion, PA (ZIP Code 16214)**

The assessment of primary care availability and respiratory health resources within Clarion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16214), specifically focusing on the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), reveals a complex landscape. The analysis considers factors crucial for COPD patient care, including physician density, practice characteristics, telehealth integration, and mental health support. This evaluation aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem’s ability to meet the needs of individuals living with COPD.

Clarion County, including the 16214 ZIP code, faces challenges common to rural areas. One of the most significant is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend indicates a shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment for conditions like COPD. The limited number of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, further compounds the issue, forcing many patients to travel significant distances for specialized care.

The characteristics of primary care practices in Clarion are also critical. The presence of practices offering comprehensive COPD management, including pulmonary function testing (PFT), smoking cessation programs, and patient education, is vital. Practices that integrate these services seamlessly into their care models often demonstrate better patient outcomes. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists or access to respiratory therapy services is another key indicator of a practice's ability to support COPD patients effectively.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational models and patient outcomes. Practices that actively engage in population health management, proactively identifying and managing COPD patients within their patient panels, often demonstrate superior performance. This proactive approach includes regular screening, medication management, and patient education. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the American Medical Association (AMA), are generally more likely to deliver high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in bridging the geographical barriers that often limit access to care in rural settings. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication management via telehealth platforms can significantly improve COPD patients' access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it into their workflow are better positioned to serve patients who may struggle to travel to in-person appointments. Telemedicine also facilitates access to specialists who may not be readily available locally.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is the provision of mental health resources. Living with COPD can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer access to counseling, support groups, or psychiatric services are better equipped to provide holistic care. The integration of mental health services into the primary care setting can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The availability of support groups and educational resources within the community is also important. Local organizations and support groups can provide patients with peer support, education, and access to valuable information about managing their condition. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can create a more robust support network for COPD patients.

The assessment of primary care availability in Clarion, PA, must also consider the impact of healthcare insurance coverage. The types of insurance accepted by local practices, as well as the availability of financial assistance programs, can significantly affect access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and are knowledgeable about available financial resources are better positioned to serve a diverse patient population.

The analysis of COPD care in Clarion, PA, reveals both strengths and weaknesses. The limited physician-to-patient ratio and the need for enhanced telehealth integration are key areas for improvement. However, the dedication of some practices to comprehensive COPD management, the potential for community partnerships, and the growing awareness of mental health needs offer opportunities for positive change.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Clarion, PA, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas of high need and assess the accessibility of care. Explore the CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper insight into the healthcare resources available in Clarion and the surrounding areas.