16927, Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16927, Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.19 percent of the residents in 16927 has some form of health insurance. 49.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.62 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 16927 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 113 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16927. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 137 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 96 health care providers accessible to residents in 16927, Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Harrison Valley, PA (ZIP Code 16927)

Analyzing the COPD landscape in Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16927) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of primary care physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including access to specialists, mental health resources, and the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine. This analysis will provide a preliminary "COPD Score" assessment, acknowledging the limitations of readily available data and the need for on-the-ground verification.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on robust primary care. Within ZIP code 16927, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Publicly available data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians in rural areas like Harrison Valley. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses of COPD. Without specific data on physician numbers within the zip code, the score is negatively impacted.

Furthermore, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves factors such as physician experience, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management, and the availability of diagnostic tools like spirometry. Information on these aspects is often difficult to ascertain without direct surveys or access to practice performance data. However, the size of the community and the potential for limited healthcare infrastructure suggest a potential challenge in accessing specialized equipment and expertise.

Identifying "standout practices" within the area requires deeper investigation. This would involve researching practices known for their commitment to COPD care, perhaps those actively participating in COPD-focused quality improvement initiatives or demonstrating high patient satisfaction scores. Without specific practice-level data, it's impossible to highlight specific examples. However, the presence of a dedicated pulmonologist or a practice with a strong focus on respiratory health would significantly boost the overall score.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve COPD care in rural areas. It can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The adoption of telemedicine within ZIP code 16927 is a crucial factor. If local practices have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, the score would improve. The lack of readily available information on telemedicine adoption indicates a neutral, potentially negative, impact on the score.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which can significantly impact their quality of life and disease management. The availability of mental health resources within Harrison Valley is therefore crucial. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Limited access to these resources would negatively impact the COPD Score.

The overall "COPD Score" for Harrison Valley, PA (ZIP code 16927) is tentatively low. The primary factors influencing this score are the potential physician shortage, the limited information on practice quality, and the uncertainty surrounding telemedicine adoption and mental health resources. While the community might have dedicated healthcare providers, the lack of readily available data on key performance indicators and resource availability limits the ability to provide a more positive assessment.

To improve the score, the following areas need attention:

* **Increased Physician Recruitment:** Efforts to attract and retain primary care physicians, particularly those with experience in respiratory medicine, are essential.
* **Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities:** Investing in spirometry equipment and training staff in its proper use would improve diagnostic accuracy.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Encouraging and supporting the adoption of telemedicine technologies would improve access to care.
* **Mental Health Support:** Expanding access to mental health services, including therapy and support groups, would address the psychological impact of COPD.
* **Community Education:** Raising awareness about COPD, its risk factors, and available resources is critical.

This analysis underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to COPD management. It highlights the need for strong primary care, access to specialized expertise, the integration of technology, and the provision of mental health support. The success of COPD management hinges on the availability of these resources within the community.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harrison Valley and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data, helping to identify areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare system. They can be used to identify the locations of healthcare resources and identify gaps in care.