16825, Bigler, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16825, Bigler, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.33 percent of the residents in 16825 has some form of health insurance. 19.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.33 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 16825 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16825. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 17 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 572 health care providers accessible to residents in 16825, Bigler, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16825 & Primary Care Availability in Bigler

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services, specifically focusing on their ability to manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), within ZIP code 16825 (State College, PA) and its surrounding area, including the community of Bigler, PA. The goal is to provide a COPD Score, an informal assessment of the resources available to patients suffering from this debilitating respiratory illness. The analysis considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all crucial components of comprehensive COPD care.

ZIP code 16825, encompassing the borough of State College and surrounding townships, benefits from being a university town. This typically translates to a higher concentration of healthcare professionals compared to more rural areas. However, the density of physicians doesn’t automatically guarantee optimal COPD care. The specific expertise, resources, and accessibility of these physicians are critical. The analysis focuses on primary care physicians (PCPs) as they are the first point of contact for COPD patients.

Bigler, a smaller community located in Clearfield County, presents a different challenge. Rural areas often face shortages of primary care physicians, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited access to specialized care. The COPD Score in Bigler will, therefore, be assessed with a heightened awareness of these geographical constraints.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The type of physicians (e.g., board-certified pulmonologists versus general PCPs), their experience in managing COPD, and their willingness to accept new patients are equally important. In 16825, the presence of a major hospital system, such as Mount Nittany Medical Center, should contribute to a more favorable ratio, although the distribution of these physicians across the region is crucial. Bigler, being further from major medical centers, may face a less favorable ratio, potentially necessitating longer travel times for patients.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This includes practices that have a dedicated respiratory therapist, offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, and actively participate in patient education programs. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, manage medication adherence, and coordinate care with specialists also score higher. In 16825, practices affiliated with larger hospital systems are more likely to have these resources readily available. Bigler’s access to such specialized resources may be limited, potentially requiring referrals to specialists in larger towns or cities.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and symptom monitoring. This can reduce the burden of travel, particularly for patients with limited mobility or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring devices, and virtual education programs are likely to provide better care. The adoption rate of telemedicine might be higher in 16825 due to the prevalence of technology and the presence of a university. Bigler, however, might face challenges in telemedicine adoption due to limited internet access and technological literacy.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of COPD care. Patients with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness and the impact on their quality of life. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. In 16825, the presence of a university and a larger population often translates to a greater availability of mental health services. Bigler, however, may have fewer mental health resources, making it more challenging for COPD patients to access the support they need.

Assessing the COPD Score involves considering all the above factors. In 16825, the score is likely to be higher than in Bigler due to the greater density of physicians, the presence of specialized resources, and the potential for telemedicine adoption. However, even within 16825, significant variations may exist among different practices.

For Bigler, the COPD Score will be lower, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare. The lack of specialized resources, the potential for longer travel times, and the limited availability of mental health services will likely contribute to a lower score. However, the dedication and commitment of the existing primary care physicians in Bigler are crucial. Their ability to manage COPD effectively, even with limited resources, is essential.

The overall COPD Score is not a static number; it's a dynamic assessment that changes over time. Factors like physician turnover, the adoption of new technologies, and changes in healthcare policies can all impact the score. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that patients with COPD receive the best possible care.

To understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, the location of practices, and the accessibility of services, we recommend exploring the data visually. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive and informative way to visualize the landscape of healthcare in 16825 and Bigler. **Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.**