24801, Welch, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24801, Welch, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 67.37 percent of the residents in 24801 has some form of health insurance. 46.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.45 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 24801 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 754 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24801. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 625 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 444 health care providers accessible to residents in 24801, Welch, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Welch, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24801)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within Welch, West Virginia (ZIP code 24801), requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll assess the landscape by evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and exploring the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the overall accessibility and effectiveness of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition. The analysis will be specific, avoiding generalities and providing a realistic picture of the current state.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like Welch, this is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. To determine this, we need to consider the total population of 24801, estimated around 2,000 residents. A reasonable estimate would be that 5-10% of the population suffers from asthma. Therefore, we can estimate between 100 and 200 patients in need of asthma care. The number of actively practicing PCPs and pulmonologists in the area is the key to determining the ratio. Given the limited healthcare infrastructure in Welch, the ratio likely presents a challenge.

Primary care availability is a crucial element of asthma management. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing asthma symptoms. They are responsible for initial diagnosis, prescription of medications, and ongoing monitoring. In Welch, the availability of primary care is constrained. The presence of a community health center or a small clinic is possible, but the number of available appointments and the wait times for new patients are important factors. The ability of these practices to offer extended hours or weekend appointments, particularly important for asthma patients who may experience flare-ups outside of regular business hours, would also be a consideration.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This includes assessing the practices' adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, the availability of asthma education programs for patients and their families, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient care coordination. Do practices have protocols for managing asthma exacerbations? Are they equipped to perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs) or refer patients to specialists when needed? The presence of certified asthma educators within the practice is a significant advantage. Without this information, it is difficult to assess the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical consideration, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, providing asthma patients with access to specialists and ongoing monitoring without the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telehealth consultations for medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education can significantly improve asthma control. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine among local practices, the types of services offered remotely, and the technological infrastructure available to support these services are all key to understanding its impact.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of asthma care, but they are essential. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, within the local healthcare system is important. The integration of mental health support into asthma care, whether through on-site therapists or referrals to external providers, can help patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of their condition.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Welch, West Virginia (24801) would be determined by weighting these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited primary care availability, lack of standout practices, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would result in a low score, indicating challenges in accessing and receiving quality asthma care. Conversely, a high score would reflect a more robust healthcare system, with adequate physician availability, accessible primary care, evidence-based practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health support.

The analysis reveals a need for improvement. The challenges presented by the rural setting, the limited resources, and the specific needs of asthma patients highlight areas for focused intervention. Increasing the number of PCPs and pulmonologists, expanding primary care access, encouraging telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health support are crucial steps toward improving the Asthma Score and providing better care to the residents of Welch. This is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Welch, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, clinic locations, and the availability of specialized services, consider exploring the data-driven mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of resources, helping to identify areas with the greatest need and inform strategic planning for healthcare improvements.