24736, Matoaka, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24736, Matoaka, West Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.78 percent of the residents in 24736 has some form of health insurance. 58.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 34.53 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 24736 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24736. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 122 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,410 health care providers accessible to residents in 24736, Matoaka, West Virginia.

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. Focusing on ZIP Code 24736 (Matoaka, West Virginia) and the availability of primary care, we can construct an "Asthma Score" analysis, examining key factors influencing patient outcomes. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate mental health resource integration.

Physician-to-patient ratios form a crucial baseline. In rural areas like Matoaka, the scarcity of physicians is a well-documented challenge. The national average physician-to-population ratio is around 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. However, in many rural communities, this ratio is significantly lower, sometimes falling below 1 physician per 1,000 residents. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially poorer asthma management. To determine the specific ratio for 24736, we would need access to current data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. A low ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to asthma management. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They are responsible for diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management. The availability of PCPs in Matoaka directly influences the accessibility of asthma care. Factors to consider include the number of PCPs actively practicing, their office hours, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance they accept. Limited availability, long wait times, or lack of insurance acceptance would significantly diminish the Asthma Score.

Standout practices within the 24736 area would be those demonstrating exceptional asthma management. This could include practices that actively implement asthma action plans, provide patient education on triggers and medication use, and regularly monitor lung function. Practices that have invested in advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, would also be favorably viewed. Furthermore, practices that have a dedicated asthma educator or nurse would significantly boost their standing. To identify these standout practices, we would need to analyze patient reviews, assess the availability of specific services, and potentially conduct interviews with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in rural settings. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to care. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher Asthma Score. The availability of reliable internet access in the area would also influence the effectiveness of telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma management, but they are critically important. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources in the Matoaka area would directly impact the Asthma Score.

Creating a comprehensive Asthma Score would require a detailed data collection and analysis process. This would involve:

* **Data Collection:** Gathering information on physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This would necessitate accessing data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, insurance providers, and local healthcare practices.
* **Practice Assessment:** Evaluating individual practices based on their asthma management protocols, patient education efforts, and the availability of specialized services. This could involve patient surveys, chart reviews, and interviews with healthcare professionals.
* **Community Resource Mapping:** Identifying and mapping the availability of mental health services, pharmacies, and other support resources within the 24736 ZIP Code.
* **Score Calculation:** Assigning weighted scores to each factor based on its importance in asthma management. The final Asthma Score would be a composite of these individual scores.

The resulting Asthma Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Matoaka, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This information could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify best practices, and by policymakers to develop strategies for improving healthcare access and quality.

The final Asthma Score would be a dynamic measure, changing as healthcare practices evolve and resources are added or removed. Regular updates would be essential to maintain its accuracy and relevance. The score would not only reflect the availability of resources but also the quality of care provided.

To further enhance this analysis, we can utilize data visualization tools. Mapping the locations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and mental health resources within the 24736 ZIP Code would provide a visual representation of access and availability. This mapping could also incorporate demographic data, such as age, income, and prevalence of asthma, to identify areas with the greatest need.

By combining data analysis, practice assessments, and resource mapping, we can create a powerful tool for evaluating and improving asthma care in Matoaka. This type of analysis can be extended to other rural communities, providing a valuable framework for understanding and addressing healthcare disparities.

To explore the healthcare landscape in 24736 and other areas with interactive maps, visit CartoChrome maps.