16937, Mills, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 16937, Mills, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 68.60 percent of the residents in 16937 has some form of health insurance. 33.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.55 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 16937 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16937. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 102 health care providers accessible to residents in 16937, Mills, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Mills, PA (ZIP Code 16937)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Mills, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16937) requires a multifaceted approach, particularly when considering the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in managing COPD, and evaluates resources crucial for effective patient care. The goal is to create a “COPD Score” that reflects the accessibility and quality of care for individuals in this specific area.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Accurate data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP Code 16937, or those readily accessible to its residents, is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from professional medical directories, can provide this baseline. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, would negatively impact the COPD Score. This is because it can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code is important. Are the physicians clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Mills underserved? Are they accepting new patients? These factors influence the accessibility of care. The proximity of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is another vital consideration. COPD management often requires specialized expertise, and the distance patients must travel to see a pulmonologist significantly affects their quality of life and the effectiveness of their treatment plan. The availability of respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs also contributes to a higher COPD Score.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management through dedicated programs, patient education initiatives, and a proactive approach to care would receive higher marks. This could include practices that utilize standardized COPD assessment tools, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, or actively participate in clinical trials related to COPD. Patient testimonials and online reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience at these practices. Practices with strong reputations for patient communication, empathy, and a focus on preventative care would be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Mills. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide access to specialist consultations via telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would contribute positively to the COPD Score. This is especially important for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the burden of travel, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of COPD symptoms.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic respiratory illnesses like COPD, but they are essential. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the area or accessible via telehealth, significantly impacts the COPD Score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans, offering referrals to mental health professionals or providing on-site counseling, would be viewed favorably. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families is also critical.

The availability of specialized COPD-related services, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs, is another key factor. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms, improve their lung function, and enhance their overall quality of life. The presence of these programs, and their accessibility to patients in Mills, would positively influence the COPD Score. The quality of these programs, as assessed by factors like the qualifications of the staff and the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, is also important.

Furthermore, the availability of resources for smoking cessation is crucial. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and effective smoking cessation programs are essential for preventing the progression of the disease and improving patient outcomes. The presence of such programs, whether offered by primary care practices, hospitals, or community organizations, would contribute positively to the COPD Score. The accessibility and affordability of these programs are also important considerations.

The overall COPD Score for Mills, PA, would be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It would be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and the availability of smoking cessation resources. The score would be higher for areas with greater access to high-quality care and lower for areas with limited resources.

Finally, the analysis must consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact COPD management. Factors like poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to healthy food can all negatively affect patient outcomes. The COPD Score should reflect the presence of community resources that address these social determinants of health. This could include programs that provide transportation assistance, food assistance, or social support services.

To gain a more comprehensive and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mills, PA (ZIP Code 16937), we invite you to explore the data using **CartoChrome maps**. These maps can provide a visual representation of the factors discussed above, allowing you to identify areas with the greatest need and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources.