16853, Milesburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16853, Milesburg, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.68 percent of the residents in 16853 has some form of health insurance. 33.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.44 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 16853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 66 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,897 health care providers accessible to residents in 16853, Milesburg, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16853 & Primary Care in Milesburg

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 16853 and the surrounding area of Milesburg, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into key factors influencing COPD care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately providing a COPD Score assessment.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible primary care. Milesburg, as a borough within the broader ZIP code 16853 area, will be assessed through the lens of primary care availability. This involves scrutinizing the physician-to-patient ratio, which serves as a crucial indicator of access. A lower ratio, signifying more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access to care, shorter wait times for appointments, and more opportunities for preventative interventions, all vital for COPD patients. Publicly available data, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health records, combined with information from insurance providers and local hospital networks, would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the area is critical. Are practices clustered in one location, leaving certain areas underserved? Are there transportation barriers that limit access for patients, especially those with mobility limitations common in COPD? Assessing the geographic distribution of practices, coupled with an understanding of public transportation options, is essential. This includes evaluating the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve a disproportionate number of patients with chronic conditions like COPD.

The characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are also important. Do practices offer extended hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate patients' schedules? Are they accepting new patients, and what is the average wait time for an appointment? The presence of specialized COPD clinics or pulmonologists within the service area significantly impacts the quality of care. Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, is a critical component of comprehensive COPD management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing healthcare access, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the 16853 area and Milesburg is a key factor in the COPD Score. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and telehealth education programs can significantly improve patient outcomes. This assessment will evaluate the prevalence of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ins, medication management, and patient education), and the technological infrastructure in place to support these services.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and COPD patients are particularly vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The COPD Score must incorporate an evaluation of the mental health resources available to patients. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Do practices screen for mental health conditions? Are there referrals to mental health specialists? The availability of support groups and educational resources for both patients and their caregivers is also a significant consideration.

Identifying standout practices within the 16853 area is a crucial part of this analysis. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD care, such as those with:

* **Proactive patient education programs:** Practices that actively educate patients about their condition, including self-management strategies, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications.
* **Comprehensive care coordination:** Practices that effectively coordinate care with specialists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers.
* **Patient-centered approach:** Practices that prioritize patient preferences and values in their care plans.
* **High patient satisfaction scores:** Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from their patients.
* **Innovative use of technology:** Practices that leverage technology to improve patient outcomes, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite measure based on several factors. The final score would be derived by assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above, reflecting their relative importance in COPD management. The weighting would be based on established clinical guidelines, expert opinions, and the available data.

The analysis of the 16853 area and Milesburg would be presented in a clear and concise manner, with an overall COPD Score and sub-scores for each of the key factors. The findings would be accompanied by specific recommendations for improving COPD care in the area. This might include suggestions for increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine services, enhancing mental health support, and promoting best practices in COPD management.

This detailed analysis, focusing on the specific needs of COPD patients, provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare access and quality in the 16853 area and Milesburg. It can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to make informed decisions about healthcare delivery and resource allocation.

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider utilizing **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that allow you to overlay multiple datasets, identify areas of need, and visualize healthcare access patterns. By leveraging the power of CartoChrome, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 16853 area and Milesburg, ultimately improving the lives of individuals living with COPD.