24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 24729 has some form of health insurance. 93.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.33 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 24729 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24729. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,406 health care providers accessible to residents in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24729 and Primary Care in Hiawatha

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 24729 and the broader primary care landscape in Hiawatha necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, evaluate telemedicine integration, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in determining an "Asthma Score" for the region. This analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 24729 serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of physicians, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatments for asthma sufferers. Conversely, a higher ratio, indicating a greater concentration of physicians, generally translates to better access and more readily available care. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards are essential for obtaining accurate physician counts and population demographics within the specified ZIP code. This data will allow us to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio and determine if it meets the national average.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type of physicians practicing in the area is critical. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists and allergists, specialists directly involved in asthma management, significantly elevates the quality of care available. Their expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of asthma is invaluable. The analysis should identify the number of pulmonologists and allergists practicing within the ZIP code and assess their patient load. This information will provide a clearer picture of the specialized care available to asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 24729 requires a deeper dive into individual clinic profiles. This involves reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the availability of asthma-specific services, and evaluating the implementation of evidence-based asthma management protocols. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and provide access to peak flow meters and inhaler training are considered exemplary. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and track asthma control rates demonstrate a commitment to providing superior care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to care, reduced travel time, and improved patient convenience. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration within the primary care practices in Hiawatha and the practices within ZIP Code 24729 is essential. This involves determining whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and medication management support via telehealth platforms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of asthma care for patients.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health issues can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis should assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices in Hiawatha and the ZIP code. This includes determining whether practices have on-site mental health providers, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and provide resources for managing stress and anxiety related to asthma. The integration of mental health services into asthma care is crucial for addressing the holistic needs of patients.

Primary care availability in Hiawatha, beyond the specific ZIP code, influences the overall asthma care landscape. Adequate primary care access ensures timely diagnoses, regular check-ups, and appropriate referrals to specialists when needed. Evaluating the primary care physician-to-patient ratio in Hiawatha is essential. This involves analyzing the number of primary care physicians and the population they serve. Furthermore, assessing the geographic distribution of primary care practices within Hiawatha is critical. This will reveal whether access to primary care is evenly distributed or if certain areas face greater challenges.

The analysis should also consider the availability of after-hours care and emergency services. Asthma exacerbations can occur at any time, and access to prompt medical attention is crucial. Evaluating the availability of urgent care clinics, emergency rooms, and on-call physicians within Hiawatha and the surrounding areas is essential. This information will help determine the level of support available to asthma patients experiencing acute symptoms.

Medication access is another critical factor. The analysis should evaluate the availability of asthma medications within the ZIP code and Hiawatha. This includes assessing the presence of pharmacies, the availability of common asthma medications, and the affordability of these medications. Access to affordable medications is crucial for ensuring that asthma patients can effectively manage their condition.

Ultimately, calculating an "Asthma Score" requires synthesizing all these factors. The score should reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the quality of care provided by standout practices, and the overall access to primary care and medication. This score can then be used to compare the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 24729 and Hiawatha to other regions and identify areas for improvement.

The data used in this analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The healthcare environment is dynamic, and physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and other factors can change over time. Regular updates ensure that the "Asthma Score" remains relevant and provides an accurate reflection of the healthcare available to asthma patients.

Understanding the intricacies of healthcare access in a specific area can be complex. To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 24729 and Hiawatha, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platforms can transform raw data into compelling visualizations, highlighting physician locations, resource availability, and other critical factors influencing asthma care.