16738, Lewis Run, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16738, Lewis Run, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 47.26 percent of the residents in 16738 has some form of health insurance. 18.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.79 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 16738 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 260 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16738. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 205 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 363 health care providers accessible to residents in 16738, Lewis Run, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of COPD care within ZIP Code 16738, encompassing Lewis Run, Pennsylvania, necessitates a multifaceted approach. It demands an examination of physician availability, specifically primary care physicians (PCPs), as they serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing respiratory issues. Furthermore, understanding the integration of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources is crucial, given the significant impact COPD can have on both physical and psychological well-being. This analysis aims to provide an informed perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in this specific geographic area.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. While precise data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within Lewis Run itself may be limited, the broader context of McKean County, where Lewis Run is located, provides a starting point. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can offer insights into the overall physician density. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can potentially hinder access to timely diagnosis and management of COPD. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. The analysis must also consider the age and health status of the population within Lewis Run, as a higher prevalence of elderly residents or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions could place additional strain on available healthcare resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care delivered by the existing practices is essential. Identifying standout practices involves assessing several factors. These include the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like spirometry, and the implementation of evidence-based COPD management protocols. Patient reviews and feedback, though subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs related to COPD management are likely to be better equipped to provide up-to-date and effective treatment. Information about these practices can be gleaned from local hospital websites, insurance provider directories, and online physician review platforms.

The adoption of telemedicine within the primary care landscape of Lewis Run presents both opportunities and challenges. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas. Remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management support are all potential benefits. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access, patient technological literacy, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows. The analysis should investigate the availability of telemedicine services among local practices and assess the extent to which they are utilized by COPD patients. It should also consider the availability of telehealth services through the local hospital, if any, and any partnerships with specialty clinics that offer pulmonology services.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD care is the impact on mental health. Chronic respiratory illness can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is critical. The analysis should investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), within the local area. It should also explore whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services and whether they offer integrated behavioral health support. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can facilitate comprehensive care for COPD patients. Resources like support groups and educational programs focused on coping with chronic respiratory illness should also be considered.

Assessing the overall COPD score for doctors in ZIP Code 16738 requires a synthesis of all these factors. A comprehensive evaluation will combine data on physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. This evaluation will then be used to create a composite score. The score should reflect the overall strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in Lewis Run. For instance, a high score would indicate a robust healthcare infrastructure with readily accessible PCPs, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health support. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential deficiencies in one or more of these areas.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the COPD population. This includes the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, access to oxygen therapy, and education on self-management techniques. Local pharmacies and respiratory therapists play a vital role in providing these services. The analysis should identify the pharmacies and respiratory therapists within the area and evaluate their services. The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized pulmonology services. If pulmonologists are not readily available in the immediate vicinity, the analysis should assess the ease of access to pulmonology specialists in nearby areas.

The final COPD score is not merely a numerical value; it's a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to support individuals living with this chronic disease. It highlights areas where improvements are needed and identifies best practices that can be replicated. The overall goal is to provide a clear picture of the quality of care available to COPD patients in Lewis Run, enabling healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to make informed decisions. This detailed analysis will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in delivering effective COPD care within the specific context of ZIP Code 16738.

For a visual representation of these findings, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into interactive and easily understandable visualizations. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the COPD care landscape in Lewis Run.