16258, Strattanville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16258, Strattanville, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.19 percent of the residents in 16258 has some form of health insurance. 34.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.85 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 16258 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 314 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16258. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 331 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 441 health care providers accessible to residents in 16258, Strattanville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Strattanville, PA (ZIP Code 16258)

The assessment of COPD care within Strattanville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16258), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as a “COPD Score,” considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing COPD and to identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on readily accessible primary care. In Strattanville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. An ideal scenario would involve a sufficient number of PCPs to serve the local population, ensuring timely appointments and consistent follow-up care. However, rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to a scarcity of available PCPs. The “COPD Score” will reflect the accessibility of these crucial healthcare providers. This involves evaluating the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, considering factors like appointment wait times, and assessing the availability of same-day or urgent care options.

Physician-to-patient ratios provide a quantitative measure of healthcare access. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians relative to the population, can strain resources and potentially limit the quality of care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to PCPs and potentially better opportunities for proactive COPD management. This analysis will attempt to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio within 16258, comparing it to regional and national averages to gauge the relative availability of care. The “COPD Score” will be adjusted accordingly, reflecting the potential impact of this ratio on patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in COPD management, including early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans, patient education, and regular monitoring. The “COPD Score” will incorporate an evaluation of local practices, looking for evidence of:

* **Specialized COPD Clinics:** The presence of dedicated COPD clinics or specialized pulmonary care within primary care practices would significantly boost the score.
* **Patient Education Programs:** Practices offering structured education programs on COPD management, including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and exacerbation prevention, are highly valued.
* **Regular Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT):** Consistent PFT monitoring is essential for tracking disease progression and adjusting treatment plans. Practices that prioritize PFTs would receive a higher score.
* **Collaboration with Pulmonologists:** Strong referral networks and collaborative relationships with pulmonologists ensure access to specialized expertise.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of local COPD support groups or access to online support communities can significantly improve patient well-being.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote locations. The “COPD Score” will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption within local practices. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., for oxygen saturation levels), and the use of telehealth platforms for medication management and patient education. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to expanding access to care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are critical. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The “COPD Score” will incorporate an assessment of the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes evaluating:

* **Access to Mental Health Professionals:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in chronic illness management.
* **Integration of Mental Health Services:** Whether primary care practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers.
* **Support Groups:** The availability of support groups for individuals with COPD and their families.
* **Educational materials:** Information on the importance of mental health in COPD management.

The “COPD Score” will be a composite score, calculated based on the weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in COPD management. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Strattanville (ZIP code 16258) and highlight areas where improvements are needed. This score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Further, the analysis will consider the availability of respiratory therapists, certified asthma educators, and other allied health professionals who play a crucial role in COPD management. The presence of these specialists can significantly enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes. The “COPD Score” will also incorporate an assessment of the availability of these resources.

The analysis will also consider the quality of local pharmacies and their ability to provide medication counseling and support to COPD patients. Access to reliable pharmacy services is essential for ensuring medication adherence and managing potential side effects.

Finally, the “COPD Score” will be dynamic, meaning it will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This will ensure that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for patients and healthcare providers.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in Strattanville and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful way to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and track changes over time. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in COPD management within the community.