24712, Athens, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24712, Athens, West Virginia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.79 percent of the residents in 24712 has some form of health insurance. 54.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.94 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 24712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 790 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 399 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,409 health care providers accessible to residents in 24712, Athens, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts individuals and communities. Assessing the quality of healthcare available for asthma sufferers requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 24712 and primary care availability in Athens, West Virginia, aiming to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. The score will consider factors like physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, crucial for comprehensive asthma management.

Analyzing the healthcare infrastructure within ZIP Code 24712 is the initial step. This area’s Asthma Score will be heavily influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, will negatively affect the score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting better access to care, will boost the score. Data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the American Medical Association will be necessary to establish these ratios.

The quality of individual practices within the zip code is also paramount. This includes factors like the availability of specialized asthma care, the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care will receive higher marks. Reviewing patient testimonials, practice websites, and any available quality metrics from healthcare organizations will inform this aspect of the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital in healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring capabilities (like peak flow meter tracking), and virtual asthma education sessions will be viewed favorably. This technology can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The Asthma Score will reflect the extent to which practices in 24712 have embraced telemedicine.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing asthma can be stressful. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Asthma Score. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, will receive higher scores. This also includes the availability of support groups or educational materials addressing the psychological aspects of asthma.

Moving to Athens, the assessment of primary care availability is essential. Athens, as a larger community, likely has a more diverse healthcare landscape than a single ZIP Code. The analysis will assess the overall density of PCPs within the city, the accessibility of their offices (considering factors like transportation and office hours), and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments. The Asthma Score for Athens will reflect the ease with which residents can access primary care, which is a gateway to asthma diagnosis, management, and ongoing care.

The presence of specialized asthma care in Athens, beyond general primary care, is also significant. The availability of pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists will be evaluated. Access to specialized testing (like pulmonary function tests) and treatment options (such as biologics) will positively influence the score. The score will also consider the degree of coordination between primary care physicians and specialists, ensuring a seamless patient experience.

The assessment of practices in Athens will mirror the criteria used for 24712. This includes evaluating the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols, patient satisfaction levels, and the integration of telemedicine. Practices that prioritize patient education and offer comprehensive asthma action plans will receive higher scores. The review of patient testimonials, practice websites, and any available quality metrics will be crucial for this assessment.

The availability of mental health resources in Athens will be a crucial factor in the Asthma Score. The analysis will examine the presence of mental health providers within the city, the accessibility of their services, and the degree to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health professionals. The score will also consider the availability of support groups or educational materials addressing the psychological aspects of asthma.

Determining "standout practices" within either 24712 or Athens requires a comparative analysis. Practices that consistently demonstrate high patient satisfaction, adopt innovative technologies, and offer comprehensive asthma management programs will be identified as leaders in asthma care. These practices often excel in patient education, proactive care coordination, and the integration of mental health services. The Asthma Score will highlight these standout practices, providing valuable information for patients seeking quality asthma care.

Specific names of practices and physicians are intentionally omitted to maintain a general assessment. This is a broad overview. The "Asthma Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed. The weighting of each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources) will be based on its perceived importance in delivering quality asthma care.

The final Asthma Score for 24712 and Athens will be presented as a numerical value or a rating scale. This score will provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in these areas. It will also highlight areas of strength and weakness, informing patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The score is designed to be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare environment over time.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 24712 and Athens, including the location of physician practices, the availability of resources, and other relevant data points, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment.