17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.89 percent of the residents in 17737 has some form of health insurance. 40.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.90 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 17737 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,583 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17737. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,293 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,653 health care providers accessible to residents in 17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hughesville, PA (ZIP Code 17737)

Analyzing the landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care within Hughesville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17737) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several critical factors, including the availability and quality of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, offering insight into the accessibility and comprehensiveness of care for individuals managing this debilitating respiratory illness.

Hughesville, a small community nestled in Lycoming County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to a limited pool of medical professionals and potentially longer travel distances for patients seeking specialized care. This geographical context is crucial when evaluating the COPD Score.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) form the cornerstone of COPD management. They are typically the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms, responsible for diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing monitoring. The availability of PCPs in Hughesville is a primary determinant of the COPD Score. A higher concentration of PCPs, particularly those with experience and training in pulmonary medicine or a strong network of specialists, would positively influence the score. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, or a high patient-to-physician ratio, would negatively impact the score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate management.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can strain resources and limit the amount of time a physician can dedicate to each patient. This can result in shorter appointments, less comprehensive assessments, and difficulty in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship, all of which are detrimental to effective COPD management. Conversely, a lower ratio allows for more personalized care, improved patient education, and more proactive disease management strategies. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Hughesville is essential to understanding the pressure on the existing healthcare infrastructure.

Identifying standout practices in Hughesville is vital. Practices that prioritize COPD management through specialized training, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities (e.g., spirometry), and adherence to evidence-based guidelines would contribute positively to the COPD Score. The presence of respiratory therapists, certified asthma educators, and pulmonary specialists within or accessible to these practices would further enhance the score. These practices often serve as models for best practices and can improve the overall quality of care in the community.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important in rural areas like Hughesville. Telemedicine offers several advantages for COPD patients, including convenient access to consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach, provide timely interventions, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The availability and utilization of telemedicine services would significantly boost the COPD Score.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial element of COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, enhance quality of life, and ultimately improve COPD outcomes. The presence of readily available mental health support would significantly improve the COPD Score.

Specific examples of practices and their approaches, while difficult to ascertain without detailed local data, would be instrumental in forming a concrete COPD Score. For instance, a practice that has a dedicated respiratory clinic, offers home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, and integrates mental health services would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources, long wait times, and no mental health support would likely receive a lower score. Publicly available data on physician profiles, practice websites, and patient reviews can provide valuable insights, but a comprehensive assessment would require direct engagement with healthcare providers in the area.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups, educational programs, and community resources for COPD patients would also impact the score. These resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition, fostering self-management skills and promoting adherence to treatment plans. The presence of these resources, whether offered by healthcare providers or community organizations, would contribute positively to the overall COPD Score.

In conclusion, assessing the COPD Score for Hughesville (17737) requires a thorough evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The rural nature of the community presents both challenges and opportunities. While the limited resources may pose difficulties, the potential for innovative solutions, such as telemedicine and community-based programs, is significant. The final COPD Score would reflect the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and quality of COPD care available to residents of Hughesville.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare access in Hughesville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.