16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.93 percent of the residents in 16621 has some form of health insurance. 43.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.75 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 16621 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 164 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16621. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 124 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 200 health care providers accessible to residents in 16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16621 and Primary Care in Broad Top

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources in ZIP Code 16621 (covering parts of Bedford County, Pennsylvania) and specifically addressing the needs of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the Broad Top area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will attempt to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering factors relevant to COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on accessible and competent primary care. In the context of Broad Top, a rural area within ZIP Code 16621, geographical limitations and potential shortages of healthcare professionals pose significant challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulties in managing chronic conditions like COPD. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance provider networks, can help estimate this ratio. A high ratio would be indicative of a better COPD Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. This includes looking for practices that specialize in pulmonary medicine or have physicians with a demonstrated interest in COPD management. Practices that actively participate in COPD-focused clinical trials or adhere to national guidelines for COPD treatment, such as those published by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), would be considered high-quality. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences and the overall satisfaction with the care provided. Practices with readily available respiratory therapists or access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs would also significantly contribute to a higher COPD Score.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the geographical barriers often faced by rural populations. The adoption of telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources, can significantly improve COPD management. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies can provide more frequent check-ins, facilitate medication adjustments, and offer timely interventions, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes. The availability of remote pulmonary function testing (PFT) capabilities, where appropriate, would be a further advantage. The COPD Score would be elevated for practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms.

The psychological impact of COPD is often underestimated. Living with a chronic respiratory condition can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial for comprehensive COPD care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals specializing in chronic illness, contribute positively to the COPD Score. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and access to mental health services is essential for holistic patient care.

Specific data on practices within ZIP Code 16621 is needed to formulate a precise COPD Score. However, we can hypothesize based on general knowledge. Rural areas often face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio might be less favorable compared to urban areas. The adoption of telemedicine might be variable, depending on the practice's resources and willingness to embrace new technologies. The availability of specialized pulmonary care might be limited, potentially requiring patients to travel longer distances for specialized consultations. Mental health resources might also be scarce, reflecting the general shortage of mental health professionals in rural regions.

To improve the COPD Score in Broad Top and the surrounding areas, several interventions are possible. Recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals, particularly PCPs and pulmonologists, is a priority. Incentives such as loan repayment programs, enhanced compensation, and opportunities for professional development can attract physicians to rural areas. Promoting the adoption of telemedicine by providing training and financial support to practices can improve access to care. Expanding access to mental health services through partnerships with community mental health centers, telehealth platforms, and training programs for PCPs in mental health screening and brief interventions is crucial. Investing in public health initiatives that raise awareness about COPD, promote smoking cessation, and provide education on disease management can also improve patient outcomes.

A comprehensive COPD Score for a specific area would need to consider the factors mentioned above. It would weigh the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would inform healthcare decisions, identify areas for improvement, and guide resource allocation.

The ability to visualize and analyze this data geographically is essential for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas of need. This is where tools like CartoChrome maps can be invaluable. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the COPD Score, highlighting areas with high and low scores. This allows for a more intuitive understanding of healthcare access and quality.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 16621, and specifically in the Broad Top area, and to visualize the COPD Score, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.