16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.13 percent of the residents in 16725 has some form of health insurance. 62.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 15.63 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 16725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 31 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 338 health care providers accessible to residents in 16725, Custer City, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in 16725 and Primary Care in Custer City

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP Code 16725, encompassing Custer City, Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on factors relevant to patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This assessment aims to provide insights into the healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD management.

Custer City, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas in accessing healthcare. The analysis begins by assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a fundamental understanding of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatments. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health, will be consulted to determine the current physician-to-population ratio within the 16725 ZIP code. This data will then be compared against state and national averages to contextualize the local situation.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis will delve into the characteristics of the existing practices. Are there any practices that stand out for their commitment to COPD care? This involves examining factors like the availability of specialized equipment, such as pulmonary function testing (PFT) machines, and the presence of respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators. Practices that actively participate in COPD education programs, offer smoking cessation support, and have established relationships with pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) will be considered favorably. Information on these aspects will be gathered through online reviews, practice websites, and potentially by contacting local healthcare providers directly.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like COPD, particularly in areas with limited access to in-person care. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations with physicians and specialists. The analysis will assess the extent to which PCPs in 16725 utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes examining whether they offer virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring programs, and secure communication channels for patients to communicate with their healthcare providers. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, especially those that offer remote monitoring of oxygen saturation levels or other vital signs, will be considered particularly valuable for COPD patients.

The connection between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their condition, the impact on their daily lives, and the physical limitations it imposes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is crucial. The analysis will explore the extent to which PCPs in 16725 address mental health needs. This includes assessing whether they screen patients for depression and anxiety, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers. Practices that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to mental health care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, will be prioritized.

To gather the necessary information, a multi-pronged approach will be employed. Publicly available data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website and HRSA's data portal, will be consulted to ascertain physician-to-population ratios and other relevant demographic information. Online reviews from patients, such as those on Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, will be reviewed to gain insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication styles, and the overall quality of care. Practice websites will be examined to determine the services offered, including the availability of specialized equipment, telemedicine platforms, and mental health resources. In some cases, direct contact with local healthcare providers may be necessary to obtain more specific information. This approach will help to build a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in 16725.

The findings of this analysis will be synthesized to create a "COPD Score" for each practice or provider. This score will reflect the availability of physicians, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will be based on a weighted system, with each factor assigned a specific value based on its importance to COPD patients. For example, the presence of specialized equipment, the availability of telemedicine appointments, and the integration of mental health services might be weighted more heavily than other factors. The practices will then be ranked based on their scores, highlighting those that are best equipped to serve the needs of COPD patients in Custer City and the surrounding areas.

The final report will present the COPD scores and rankings, along with a summary of the key findings and recommendations. The analysis will emphasize the importance of access to care, the need for comprehensive COPD management, and the role of technology in improving patient outcomes. The ultimate goal is to empower patients with information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improved access to quality care in their community. This information is critical for individuals living with COPD, helping them to navigate the healthcare system and receive the best possible care.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 16725 and explore the locations of these practices, consider using CartoChrome maps.