16828, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16828, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.19 percent of the residents in 16828 has some form of health insurance. 41.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.52 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 16828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,015 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16828. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,209 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,840 health care providers accessible to residents in 16828, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16828 and Primary Care Availability in Centre Hall**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care physicians in ZIP Code 16828 (State College, PA) and the specific town of Centre Hall, PA, with a focus on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. COPD, a progressive lung disease, necessitates consistent medical attention, making access to qualified primary care a critical component of patient well-being. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Centre County, where both State College and Centre Hall are located, is a crucial starting point. While specific, granular data for individual ZIP Codes can be challenging to obtain, publicly available data suggests a moderate physician density. This means that while access might be generally acceptable, pockets of higher demand could exist, potentially impacting appointment availability for COPD patients who require frequent check-ups and monitoring. The impact of an aging population in the area also needs to be considered, as this demographic typically requires more healthcare services.

Focusing on State College (16828), the presence of a major healthcare provider, such as Mount Nittany Medical Center, significantly influences primary care availability. This institution often houses numerous primary care practices, including internal medicine and family medicine, which are vital for COPD patients. The size and resources of the hospital contribute to the overall COPD score, as it often offers specialized pulmonary services and support programs. The presence of a teaching hospital also suggests that the providers are more likely to be up-to-date on the latest treatment protocols.

Centre Hall, being a smaller community, likely has fewer primary care options. This necessitates a closer examination of the practices that *are* available. Are they accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors directly affect the accessibility of care for COPD patients, many of whom may experience sudden exacerbations requiring prompt medical attention. The travel distance to a primary care physician is another factor to consider, especially for individuals with limited mobility or transportation options.

Standout practices in the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD management. This includes practices that employ certified respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) on-site, and have established protocols for managing COPD exacerbations. Practices that actively participate in COPD education programs for patients and their families also receive a higher score. The availability of a dedicated COPD care coordinator can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals score higher. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve medication adherence, and allow for more frequent monitoring of symptoms. This is especially important for patients living in rural areas or those with limited mobility.

Mental health resources are integral to COPD care. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are essential. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with primary care physicians, are particularly beneficial for COPD patients.

The "COPD Score" also considers the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to respiratory therapists, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation support. Practices that collaborate with these specialists and programs provide a more holistic approach to COPD care. The integration of these services can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Furthermore, the presence of pharmacies with specialized COPD medication management programs contributes to a higher score. This includes pharmacies that offer medication synchronization, refill reminders, and patient education on proper medication use. The availability of affordable medications is also a critical factor, as financial constraints can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

In summary, the "COPD Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 16828 and primary care availability in Centre Hall is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to ancillary services all play a role. While the presence of a major hospital system in State College likely provides a more robust infrastructure, the availability of primary care in Centre Hall requires careful consideration.

To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to healthcare resources in the Centre County area, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas with higher or lower physician density, assess travel times to healthcare facilities, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources.