16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16733 has some form of health insurance. 79.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.52 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 16733 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16733. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 118 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 354 health care providers accessible to residents in 16733, Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hazel Hurst, PA (ZIP Code 16733)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within ZIP code 16733, encompassing Hazel Hurst, Pennsylvania, with a focus on primary care availability and the resources available to manage this prevalent respiratory illness. The assessment considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible and readily available primary care physicians. In Hazel Hurst, a rural community, primary care access is likely a significant challenge. The geographical dispersion of the population, combined with potential shortages of medical professionals, could result in higher patient-to-physician ratios. This means that each primary care doctor in the area may be responsible for a larger number of patients, potentially leading to reduced appointment availability, longer wait times, and less time for individualized patient care. This situation can be detrimental to COPD patients, who require regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and proactive management of exacerbations.

Identifying specific medical practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD care is crucial. While a comprehensive evaluation requires detailed data, some indicators can provide insights. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the American Thoracic Society (ATS), are more likely to provide evidence-based care. Furthermore, practices that employ respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and have dedicated COPD care coordinators are better equipped to meet the complex needs of COPD patients. Investigating the availability of these resources within the practices serving Hazel Hurst residents is essential.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly in rural settings. Telemedicine allows physicians to remotely monitor patients, conduct virtual consultations, and provide medication management. For COPD patients, this can be particularly beneficial in reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, improving adherence to treatment plans, and facilitating early intervention in case of exacerbations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in Hazel Hurst is critical. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness, the limitations it imposes on their daily activities, and the potential for social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who can provide therapy, counseling, and medication management. Assessing the availability of these resources within Hazel Hurst, or within a reasonable commuting distance, is a critical factor in determining the overall quality of COPD care.

The assessment of primary care availability must consider the specific needs of the elderly population, who are disproportionately affected by COPD. Access to transportation, particularly for those with mobility limitations, is a significant barrier to care in rural areas. The availability of transportation services, such as ride-sharing programs, community transportation initiatives, and home health services, can greatly impact the ability of COPD patients to access necessary medical appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and other essential services.

Evaluating the overall COPD care landscape in Hazel Hurst also requires an understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure. This includes the presence of hospitals with specialized respiratory care units, access to diagnostic testing facilities, and the availability of emergency services. The proximity of these resources can significantly impact the ability to manage COPD exacerbations and provide timely interventions.

The analysis would benefit from access to data on physician credentials, patient satisfaction scores, and adherence to evidence-based COPD guidelines. This information would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the quality of care being delivered. Furthermore, the evaluation would be enhanced by conducting interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to gather qualitative insights into the challenges and successes of COPD care in Hazel Hurst.

Overall, the COPD score for Hazel Hurst, PA (ZIP code 16733) is likely to be impacted by the rural setting. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources are all potential areas of concern. While the presence of any standout practices would be a positive indicator, the limited resources available in rural areas often present significant challenges. The ability to overcome these challenges through innovative approaches, such as telehealth and community-based programs, will be crucial for improving COPD outcomes in this community.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hazel Hurst and surrounding areas, including the location of medical facilities, the availability of specialists, and the demographics of the population, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.