17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.68 percent of the residents in 17812 has some form of health insurance. 44.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.34 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 17812 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 427 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17812. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 341 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 616 health care providers accessible to residents in 17812, Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania.

**COPD Score Analysis: Beaver Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17812)**

This analysis assesses the quality of COPD care available to residents of Beaver Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17812), focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. We will evaluate the “COPD Score” based on the presence of these factors, acknowledging that a comprehensive score necessitates data beyond the scope of this analysis. The goal is to provide a preliminary understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing COPD in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective COPD management lies in accessible primary care. In Beaver Springs, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. While precise physician-to-patient ratios for 17812 are difficult to ascertain without detailed local data, an analysis of the surrounding county (Snyder County) would offer a useful proxy. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) could provide insights into the number of practicing PCPs in the area and the overall population. This data, when compared, offers a rudimentary understanding of the patient load each physician carries.

Within the primary care landscape, the adoption of best practices in COPD management is crucial. This includes adherence to guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), which provides evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Practices that actively implement these guidelines, including regular spirometry testing, comprehensive patient education on inhaler techniques and disease management, and personalized treatment plans, will likely receive a higher “COPD Score.”

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This would involve evaluating the quality of care delivery. This could be based on patient feedback (e.g., patient satisfaction surveys), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient outcomes, and the availability of specialized services like pulmonary rehabilitation. The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) within a practice would also be a positive indicator, providing specialized expertise in managing respiratory conditions. Without access to internal practice data, a complete assessment of individual practices is impossible.

Telemedicine offers a valuable avenue for improving COPD care, particularly in rural areas like Beaver Springs. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even pulmonary rehabilitation sessions. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care practices in 17812 significantly enhances accessibility. Practices that utilize secure video conferencing platforms, remote monitoring devices (e.g., pulse oximeters), and patient portals to facilitate communication and education would receive a higher score.

The impact of mental health on COPD cannot be overstated. 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 is therefore a critical component of the “COPD Score.” Practices that integrate mental health screening into their routine care, offer referrals to mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, psychiatrists), or provide access to support groups would be considered superior in this aspect. The presence of a behavioral health specialist within the practice or a strong referral network to local mental health providers is essential.

The presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the area is another important factor. These programs provide structured exercise, education, and support to help patients improve their lung function, manage their symptoms, and enhance their overall well-being. The availability of such programs, whether offered by hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare providers, is a significant positive indicator. The accessibility of these programs, including their location and cost, is also a relevant consideration.

The “COPD Score” for Beaver Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17812) is therefore a composite of these factors. It’s a relative assessment, not an absolute one, as it is based on limited data. The availability of PCPs, the adoption of evidence-based COPD management practices, the utilization of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the presence of pulmonary rehabilitation programs all contribute to the overall score. A higher score suggests a more robust and comprehensive healthcare environment for individuals managing COPD.

To gain a more complete understanding of the healthcare landscape in Beaver Springs, a comprehensive analysis would be required. This would involve gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and patient surveys. This analysis would also need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare resources available in Beaver Springs, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial overview of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, offering a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape.