16836, Frenchville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16836, Frenchville, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.51 percent of the residents in 16836 has some form of health insurance. 52.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.02 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 16836 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 159 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16836. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 281 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 560 health care providers accessible to residents in 16836, Frenchville, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16836 & Primary Care in Frenchville**

Frenchville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 16836, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, especially concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within this region, focusing on factors crucial to COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telehealth adoption, and mental health support.

The foundation of effective COPD care lies in accessible and knowledgeable primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. Data indicates a potential challenge. The population of 16836, combined with the limited number of practicing PCPs, suggests a potentially strained ratio. This could translate to longer wait times for appointments, less time per patient visit, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and management of COPD. Further investigation is needed to ascertain the precise ratio, factoring in the number of actively practicing physicians, their patient load, and the overall demographic makeup of the area.

Beyond raw numbers, the structure and practices of the available PCPs are critical. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, essential for COPD diagnosis and monitoring? Do they have established protocols for COPD management, including medication management, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, and smoking cessation programs? These factors significantly impact the quality of care. Practices with dedicated COPD management programs, including patient education and support groups, would score higher.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial element. Telehealth can bridge geographical barriers, particularly beneficial in rural areas like Frenchville. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of patients' conditions. For COPD patients, this can mean more frequent check-ins, early detection of exacerbations, and improved adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring, would be rated favorably.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to COPD management. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. PCPs should be equipped to screen for these conditions and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Practices that proactively address mental health, either through in-house therapists or readily available referrals, would receive a higher score.

The evaluation of individual practices would consider several factors. Practices with board-certified pulmonologists or physicians with specialized COPD training would be highly valued. Practices that actively participate in COPD research or quality improvement initiatives would also score well. Positive patient reviews and testimonials, particularly those highlighting the physician's empathy, communication skills, and ability to manage chronic conditions, would be crucial.

The analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services. The presence of on-site or readily accessible pulmonary rehabilitation programs is vital. Pulmonary rehabilitation, a comprehensive program of education, exercise, and support, significantly improves COPD patients' quality of life. Access to respiratory therapists, who can provide education and support regarding inhaler techniques and oxygen therapy, is also important.

The geographic distribution of PCPs within 16836 is another consideration. Are the practices clustered in one area, or are they spread out to provide better access to residents in different parts of the zip code? Transportation challenges, common in rural areas, can further complicate access to care. Practices located near public transportation routes or those offering transportation assistance to patients would be viewed positively.

Smoking cessation programs are another crucial aspect of COPD management. PCPs should offer or refer patients to evidence-based smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation would receive a higher score.

The overall COPD Score for the area would be a composite, reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. A high score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare environment with excellent access to primary care, specialized COPD expertise, telemedicine capabilities, mental health support, and ancillary services. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as the need for more PCPs, enhanced telemedicine adoption, increased mental health resources, and improved access to pulmonary rehabilitation.

The analysis, however, is limited by the data available. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and online reviews, provides a starting point. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct contact with the practices, patient surveys, and a review of local healthcare data.

The conclusion is that the health of the people of Frenchville, and the effective management of COPD, relies on a multifaceted approach. The availability of primary care physicians, their practices, the adoption of telehealth, and the availability of mental health resources all play a critical role. The COPD Score serves as a valuable tool for identifying strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system.

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize this complex data, providing a clear and actionable overview of the healthcare landscape in Frenchville and beyond.