18216, Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18216, Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.28 percent of the residents in 18216 has some form of health insurance. 42.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.24 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 18216 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 244 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18216. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 302 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,496 health care providers accessible to residents in 18216, Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Beaver Meadows, PA (ZIP Code 18216)

Analyzing the availability of quality COPD care within Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18216) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care physicians, their resources, and their ability to effectively manage patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The COPD Score, in this context, is a composite metric reflecting access to care, quality of care, and the availability of supporting resources. The analysis will focus on primary care physicians, as they are often the first point of contact for COPD patients.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. Determining the exact ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 18216 ZIP code and the estimated population. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with physician directories, would be necessary to accurately calculate this ratio. A low ratio (e.g., a high number of patients per physician) suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio may indicate a more favorable environment for patients.

Further investigation would be needed to determine the number of pulmonologists and respiratory therapists in the area. Access to specialists is essential for managing COPD, particularly for patients with more severe disease. The availability of these specialists significantly impacts the overall COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices within the 18216 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into individual physician profiles and practice characteristics. Factors to consider include:

* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall patient experience.
* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Accreditation by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) often signifies a commitment to quality care. Board certifications in internal medicine or family medicine with subspecialty training in pulmonary medicine are also important.
* **Practice Infrastructure:** The availability of on-site diagnostic tools like spirometry (lung function testing) and access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs are crucial.
* **Care Coordination:** Practices that actively coordinate care with specialists, hospitals, and home health agencies often provide more comprehensive and effective care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the COPD Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online educational resources are better positioned to manage COPD effectively. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely can also improve care coordination. The extent of telemedicine adoption within the 18216 ZIP code would need to be assessed through practice websites, direct inquiries, and surveys.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that have integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The availability of these resources within the 18216 ZIP code would be assessed through practice websites, direct inquiries, and local community resource directories.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another key component of a high COPD Score. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes exercise training, education, and support for patients with COPD. These programs can improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life. The presence and accessibility of these programs within the 18216 ZIP code would be a significant factor in the overall score.

The analysis would also consider the availability of patient education materials and resources. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about COPD, its management, and self-care strategies are more likely to empower patients to actively participate in their care. These materials can include brochures, online resources, and educational sessions.

The overall COPD Score would be a composite of these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance in COPD management. The weights would be determined based on best practices and guidelines from organizations like the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of COPD care within the 18216 ZIP code.

A thorough analysis would also consider the socioeconomic factors of the community. Factors like income levels, insurance coverage rates, and transportation access can significantly impact a patient's ability to access care. These factors would be considered to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing COPD care within the 18216 ZIP code.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the current COPD care landscape. It would also provide recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health resources and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for the visualization of data points, enabling users to see the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources within the 18216 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This visual approach can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies for improvement.