18844, Springville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 18844, Springville, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.51 percent of the residents in 18844 has some form of health insurance. 40.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.66 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 18844 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 344 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18844. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 443 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 193 health care providers accessible to residents in 18844, Springville, Pennsylvania.

## COPD Score Analysis: Springville, PA (ZIP Code 18844)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Springville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18844) with a focus on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requires a multifaceted approach. We must evaluate primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized COPD care, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD management. This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The cornerstone of COPD care is accessible primary care. In Springville, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive early diagnosis, ongoing management, and preventative care. Assessing this involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio signals potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, which is a positive indicator for COPD patients.

Specific data on the physician-to-patient ratio within 18844 is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide population figures. Combining this with data from professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) or online physician directories allows for an estimation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A ratio that is significantly higher than the national average raises concerns about potential delays in care and increased patient burden on existing physicians.

Beyond physician numbers, the presence of standout primary care practices is crucial. Some practices may demonstrate a particular focus on respiratory health, offering advanced diagnostic tools, patient education programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to COPD management. Identifying these practices involves reviewing online patient reviews, examining the services offered on practice websites, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their COPD-specific programs. Practices with certified respiratory therapists or pulmonologists on staff are particularly valuable.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve COPD management, especially in rural areas like Springville. It allows patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel burdens and improving access to specialists. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining which primary care practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities (e.g., for oxygen saturation or peak flow), and the availability of online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine technologies score higher in this regard.

The link between COPD and mental health is undeniable. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive COPD care. Evaluating this involves assessing the number of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) practicing in the area, the availability of mental health support groups, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that screen for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to mental health services are highly desirable.

Specific examples of standout practices in the Springville area, if any, would significantly enhance the COPD Score analysis. For instance, a practice that has a dedicated COPD clinic, offers pulmonary rehabilitation programs, or actively utilizes telemedicine for patient monitoring would be considered a high-scoring practice. Similarly, practices that collaborate with local mental health providers or offer in-house mental health services would contribute positively to the overall score.

The COPD Score itself would be a composite measure, incorporating factors like physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized COPD care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for COPD patients, with greater access to care and a more comprehensive approach to management. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources.

The absence of specific data on physician numbers, practice details, and telemedicine adoption within 18844 limits the precision of this analysis. However, the framework provided offers a roadmap for a more thorough assessment. Future research should focus on gathering this specific data to provide a more accurate and actionable COPD Score.

Ultimately, the goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in relation to COPD management. This information can then be used to advocate for improvements, such as attracting more primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health resources. This data-driven approach can lead to better care for COPD patients in Springville, PA.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Springville, PA (ZIP Code 18844), including the locations of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for geographically visualizing healthcare data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the accessibility and distribution of care in the area.