17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.55 percent of the residents in 17239 has some form of health insurance. 31.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.48 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 17239 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 57 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17239. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,348 health care providers accessible to residents in 17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17239 & Primary Care in Neelyton

The health of a community, particularly concerning chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), hinges on the accessibility and quality of primary care. This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare in ZIP Code 17239, focusing on physician availability and the specific needs of COPD patients, with a secondary focus on the primary care environment in the nearby community of Neelyton.

ZIP Code 17239, encompassing the town of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge. Rural communities often grapple with physician shortages, which can significantly impact the management of chronic illnesses. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, anecdotal evidence and publicly available data suggest a potential scarcity of primary care physicians relative to the population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and a potential delay in the diagnosis and effective management of COPD. Patients with COPD require regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation, all of which are best facilitated by a strong primary care foundation.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, is another critical factor. Patients in 17239 may need to travel significant distances to access specialized respiratory care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for individuals with COPD, who may experience shortness of breath and reduced mobility. The lack of readily available specialists can exacerbate the challenges of managing COPD, leading to increased hospitalizations and a diminished quality of life.

Beyond physician availability, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within 17239 is essential. Evaluating practices based on their patient outcomes, adherence to COPD treatment guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores provides a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and utilize evidence-based practices are more likely to deliver superior care. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education and self-management strategies can empower individuals with COPD to take an active role in their health.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving access to care in rural settings. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 17239 can bridge the geographical gap and provide patients with convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, allowing for regular check-ins, symptom monitoring, and education from the comfort of their homes. The successful implementation of telemedicine requires robust internet infrastructure and a willingness from both physicians and patients to embrace this technology.

The impact of mental health on COPD management is often underestimated. Individuals with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These conditions can worsen COPD symptoms and negatively impact treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within 17239 is a crucial consideration. Access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists is vital for providing comprehensive care to COPD patients. Integrating mental health services into primary care practices or establishing partnerships with mental health providers can improve patient outcomes.

Turning our attention to Neelyton, a smaller community in the vicinity, the primary care environment presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. The availability of primary care physicians in Neelyton may be even more limited than in McConnellsburg. This underscores the importance of exploring innovative solutions, such as mobile health clinics or collaborative care models, to ensure access to essential healthcare services.

The success of primary care in Neelyton and the surrounding areas also depends on the availability of support services. These include access to pharmacies for medication refills, respiratory therapists for pulmonary rehabilitation, and social workers for assistance with navigating the healthcare system and accessing community resources. A well-coordinated network of support services is essential for providing comprehensive care to COPD patients.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not simply a measure of physician-to-patient ratio. It is a multifaceted assessment that considers physician availability, specialist access, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of support services. A comprehensive analysis would involve collecting data from various sources, including public health records, insurance claims data, and patient surveys. This data would be used to generate a score that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of COPD care in ZIP Code 17239 and the primary care environment in Neelyton.

Furthermore, the score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This ongoing monitoring can help healthcare providers and policymakers make informed decisions about resource allocation and healthcare delivery strategies.

The challenges facing COPD patients in 17239 and the primary care environment in Neelyton are significant, but not insurmountable. By addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health services, and fostering a collaborative approach to care, the community can improve the lives of individuals living with COPD. The key lies in a data-driven approach that continuously assesses the healthcare landscape and adapts to meet the evolving needs of the population.

To visualize and further analyze the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17239 and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to support services, we recommend using the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Explore the data, gain insights, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.