16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.19 percent of the residents in 16832 has some form of health insurance. 36.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.36 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 16832 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 44 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16832. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 72 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,438 health care providers accessible to residents in 16832, Coburn, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16832 & Primary Care Availability in Coburn

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 16832 (primarily encompassing the town of Coburn, Pennsylvania) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive COPD care.

The initial step involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. ZIP code 16832, being a predominantly rural area, likely faces challenges in this regard. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can significantly impact access to care. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments for conditions like COPD. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with physician directories, are essential to calculate this ratio accurately. The analysis must consider the number of actively practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, specifically within the defined geographic area.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining the practices' operational models, patient reviews, and the specific services offered. Practices demonstrating a commitment to COPD management often exhibit certain characteristics. They typically have a dedicated team including nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially, certified COPD educators. The presence of specialized equipment, such as spirometry machines for lung function testing and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are also key indicators. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes, as evidenced by data on exacerbation rates and hospitalizations, would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, mitigating the challenges of geographical distance and transportation limitations. For COPD patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ups, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and access to online educational resources, will receive a higher score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, its integration with the practice's electronic health record (EHR) system, and patient satisfaction with the service are all important considerations.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial aspect of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of these resources, the ease of access, and the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan will be assessed.

To generate a COPD Score, a weighted system must be implemented. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration – should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight due to its direct impact on access to care. The scores for each factor are then combined to produce an overall COPD Score for the area. This score will provide a relative ranking of the quality and accessibility of COPD care within ZIP code 16832.

The analysis also needs to consider the specific challenges faced by the Coburn community. Rural communities often experience socioeconomic disparities that can affect access to healthcare. Factors such as transportation limitations, lack of insurance coverage, and limited access to healthy food options can exacerbate COPD symptoms and hinder effective management. The analysis must consider these factors and assess the practices' ability to address them.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a critical factor. These programs provide patients with education, exercise training, and support to improve their lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to these programs will receive a higher score. The program's accessibility, the qualifications of the staff, and the program's track record of success are important considerations.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the practice's commitment to patient education. COPD patients need to understand their condition, the medications they take, and the lifestyle modifications necessary to manage their symptoms. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education, including access to educational materials, support groups, and individual counseling, will be highly regarded. The clarity and accessibility of the educational materials, the availability of multilingual resources, and the practice's ability to tailor education to individual patient needs are all important.

In conclusion, a comprehensive COPD Score analysis for doctors in ZIP code 16832 and primary care availability in Coburn requires a detailed examination of various factors. The evaluation must consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. By analyzing these factors and assigning appropriate weights, a COPD Score can be generated, providing a valuable assessment of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area.

For a detailed visual representation of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and population demographics, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 16832.