16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.43 percent of the residents in 16246 has some form of health insurance. 58.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.29 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 16246 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 71 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16246. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 40 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 16246, Plumville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Plumville, PA (ZIP Code 16246)

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within Plumville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16246) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider physician density, the presence of specialized services, adoption of innovative technologies, and the integration of mental health support, all crucial for a comprehensive COPD score. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. In rural areas like Plumville, a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) can significantly impact access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the exact PCP-to-patient ratio within 16246 is critical. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards should be consulted to determine the current physician density.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by available PCPs is paramount. Identifying standout practices within Plumville requires evaluating several factors. Does the practice offer comprehensive COPD management, including spirometry testing, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and patient education programs? Are the physicians board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards? Patient reviews, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall experience of care. Assessing the practice's affiliation with larger healthcare systems or hospitals can also indicate access to advanced resources and specialists.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve COPD patient outcomes. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration within Plumville practices involves determining whether physicians offer virtual appointments, utilize remote monitoring devices (e.g., for oxygen saturation), and leverage electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and data sharing. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources is crucial for COPD patients. Living with COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is a significant indicator of a practice's commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing this involves determining whether PCPs screen patients for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers. The integration of mental health support contributes significantly to a higher COPD score.

Further, the availability of pulmonary specialists is essential. While PCPs often manage stable COPD cases, access to pulmonologists is crucial for complex cases, exacerbation management, and advanced interventions. Investigating the proximity of pulmonologists to Plumville (e.g., within a reasonable driving distance) is essential. This involves assessing the presence of pulmonologists within the surrounding counties and the ease with which patients can access their services.

The presence of educational programs and support groups for COPD patients is also a key factor. These resources empower patients to manage their condition effectively, understand their medications, and adopt lifestyle modifications that can improve their quality of life. Investigating the availability of COPD support groups, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient education materials within Plumville is important.

Finally, the overall infrastructure and resources of the local healthcare system need to be considered. This includes the availability of emergency services, the presence of hospitals with specialized respiratory care units, and the efficiency of the referral process. A robust healthcare ecosystem, with readily accessible emergency care and specialized respiratory services, is critical for managing COPD exacerbations and improving patient outcomes.

To accurately assign a COPD score to the primary care landscape in Plumville, PA (16246), a comprehensive assessment is required. This assessment must encompass the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of pulmonary specialists, the presence of patient education programs, and the overall infrastructure of the local healthcare system.

The COPD score will be significantly influenced by the presence of high-quality primary care practices that offer comprehensive COPD management, embrace telemedicine, and prioritize the mental health needs of their patients. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and provide access to specialized respiratory care will contribute positively to the overall score. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources will negatively impact the score.

In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of the factors outlined above is essential to provide an accurate and meaningful COPD score for Plumville, PA (16246). This score will reflect the ability of the local healthcare system to effectively manage COPD and improve the quality of life for patients living with this chronic respiratory disease.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Plumville, PA (16246), including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and available resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare accessibility in your area.