16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.58 percent of the residents in 16731 has some form of health insurance. 45.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.58 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 16731 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 431 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16731. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 559 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 393 health care providers accessible to residents in 16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Eldred, PA (ZIP Code 16731)

This analysis delves into the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within Eldred, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16731), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians and related resources. Understanding the COPD score requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician density, access to care, technological integration, and the availability of supportive services, particularly mental health. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of COPD management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Eldred, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures require up-to-the-minute data, the rural nature of the area suggests potential challenges. A low physician density could lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of COPD. This impacts the overall COPD score negatively.

Assessing primary care availability involves more than just the number of physicians. The geographic distribution of practices within Eldred is crucial. Are practices clustered in one area, creating disparities in access for residents in more remote locations? Transportation limitations, common in rural settings, further complicate access. The presence of public transportation options, or the availability of home-based care, becomes increasingly important. The COPD score must reflect these practical realities.

Standout practices, if any exist, play a pivotal role in improving the local COPD score. These practices might be distinguished by their patient-centered approach, their commitment to patient education, or their proactive management of COPD exacerbations. They may have implemented structured COPD management programs, incorporating spirometry testing, smoking cessation support, and regular follow-up appointments. Identifying and highlighting these practices serves as a model for others and contributes to a higher overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. In a rural setting like Eldred, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and remote monitoring services. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources, contribute positively to the COPD score. This allows for more frequent check-ins, early intervention, and improved patient adherence to treatment plans.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD management is the integration of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, therapists, and support groups is crucial for comprehensive COPD care. Practices that recognize this and integrate mental health services, either within their practice or through referrals, are better positioned to support their patients and improve their overall COPD score. The absence of such resources significantly detracts from the score.

Furthermore, the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is essential. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations. The presence of a readily accessible pulmonary rehabilitation program, whether within the local hospital or through a community-based organization, is a significant positive factor in the COPD score.

The quality of care also depends on the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, and helping patients quit smoking is crucial for preventing disease progression and improving outcomes. Practices that offer or refer patients to effective smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication, contribute significantly to a higher COPD score.

The ability to track and monitor patient outcomes is another key element. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, monitor disease progression, and measure the effectiveness of interventions are better equipped to provide high-quality care. Data-driven decision-making and continuous quality improvement efforts are essential for optimizing COPD management and improving the overall COPD score.

The presence of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, also plays a role. These resources provide patients with valuable information, support, and a sense of community. The availability of these resources, and the extent to which practices promote them, contributes positively to the COPD score.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD score for doctors in ZIP code 16731 requires a thorough evaluation of several factors. Physician density, geographic accessibility, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of specialized programs all contribute to the overall quality of care. The specific practices and their approaches to COPD management are critical in determining the score. The presence of standout practices, coupled with a commitment to patient education and comprehensive care, can significantly improve the COPD score and the overall health outcomes for individuals living with COPD in Eldred.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Eldred, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare services and can help you assess the accessibility of care in your area.