16822, Beech Creek, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16822, Beech Creek, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.53 percent of the residents in 16822 has some form of health insurance. 40.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.01 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 16822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 360 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 320 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 300 health care providers accessible to residents in 16822, Beech Creek, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in 16822 & Primary Care in Beech Creek

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 16822 (State College, PA) and the primary care landscape of Beech Creek, PA, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as a 'COPD Score,' will evaluate several critical factors influencing patient access to care and the overall quality of COPD management. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive COPD care strategy.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 16822, a more populated area than Beech Creek, likely presents a more favorable scenario. State College, being a university town, often attracts a higher concentration of medical professionals. However, this doesn't automatically translate to excellent COPD care. It is essential to ascertain the number of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and primary care physicians with a specific interest or specialization in COPD management within the zip code. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be used to find this information.

Beech Creek, a smaller and more rural community, presents a different challenge. Primary care availability is the cornerstone of COPD management. A low physician-to-patient ratio in Beech Creek could potentially limit access to early diagnosis and regular monitoring, critical for slowing COPD progression. The presence of a dedicated primary care physician (PCP) network is vital. The availability of specialists within a reasonable travel distance, such as pulmonologists in nearby State College or Williamsport, is also critical.

Identifying standout practices within 16822 is a crucial step. These practices often demonstrate superior outcomes in COPD management. Key indicators include the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation. Reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the practice's accreditation status (e.g., National Committee for Quality Assurance – NCQA), and examining their participation in quality improvement initiatives can reveal valuable insights. For example, practices that actively participate in programs aimed at reducing hospital readmissions for COPD patients are likely to provide a higher standard of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a game-changer in rural areas such as Beech Creek. Remote monitoring of patients' vital signs, virtual consultations, and medication management via telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care. In 16822, telemedicine can also be beneficial, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living far from specialist clinics. The COPD Score will assess the extent to which local practices and hospitals utilize telemedicine technologies. This includes the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and patient education resources accessible online.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in COPD management, despite the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among COPD patients. The COPD Score must evaluate the availability of mental health services, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. In 16822, the presence of a university and associated mental health facilities may provide a more robust network of support. Beech Creek, however, may rely on outreach programs or collaborations with mental health providers in neighboring towns. The score will consider the integration of mental health services into the overall COPD care plan, including screening for mental health conditions and referrals to appropriate specialists.

Specifically, the analysis will look for practices that integrate mental health screening into their routine check-ups, offer counseling services on-site, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. The availability of support groups, both in-person and virtual, will also be considered.

The COPD Score for 16822 and Beech Creek will be a composite of these factors. A higher score will indicate better access to care, a more comprehensive approach to COPD management, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes. The score will be based on a weighted average of the following categories: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized COPD care providers, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and support programs.

The analysis will consider the following specific aspects of each category:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Number of pulmonologists and primary care physicians per 1,000 residents, with a focus on those specializing in COPD.
* **Specialized COPD Care Providers:** The number of practices offering pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory therapists, and access to advanced diagnostic tools.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The presence of mental health screening, on-site counseling, and referral pathways to mental health specialists.
* **Patient Education & Support:** The availability of patient education programs, support groups, and online resources.

The data sources used will include publicly available information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, CMS, and online physician directories. Patient reviews and practice websites will also be consulted. The analysis will be conducted using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data.

The final COPD Score will provide a valuable snapshot of the COPD care landscape in 16822 and Beech Creek. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness, and inform efforts to improve access to care and patient outcomes. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about COPD management.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and patient demographics, we recommend exploring the power of **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps can visualize the data analyzed in this report, providing a spatial context to the COPD Score and enabling a more comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in the region.