24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.01 percent of the residents in 24817 has some form of health insurance. 75.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.41 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 24817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 597 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24817. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 264 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 433 health care providers accessible to residents in 24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment, disproportionately impacts specific communities, making access to quality healthcare critical. This analysis delves into the asthma care landscape within ZIP code 24817, encompassing the town of Bradshaw, West Virginia, focusing on physician accessibility, practice quality, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. We will explore the availability of primary care physicians, their responsiveness to asthma-related needs, and the presence of resources that can improve patient outcomes.

Bradshaw, a small community nestled in McDowell County, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The geographical isolation and socioeconomic factors can create barriers to accessing specialized medical care. Assessing the asthma score in this area necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the existing resources and their effectiveness in addressing the specific needs of asthma patients.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In 24817, the ratio of primary care physicians to the population is likely a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a delay in diagnosis and treatment. A detailed investigation of the area would involve identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and comparing this to the total population. This data point is essential for understanding the overall availability of care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Evaluating the practices within 24817 requires examining their approach to asthma management. Do they adhere to the latest guidelines from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Are they equipped to perform pulmonary function tests (PFTs), a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma? Do they offer patient education programs to help patients understand their condition and manage their symptoms effectively? These factors contribute significantly to the asthma score.

Standout practices in the area would demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes not only providing medical treatment but also offering support services. Practices that excel might have dedicated asthma educators, registered nurses specialized in respiratory care, or partnerships with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence. They may also have established relationships with pulmonologists for referrals in complex cases. The practices that actively engage in community outreach programs, such as asthma awareness campaigns, would also score highly.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in remote areas like Bradshaw. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for asthma management, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication management, would significantly improve their asthma score. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on the availability of reliable internet access within the community, a potential challenge in some rural areas.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health resources, such as on-site counselors or referrals to mental health specialists, would be considered exemplary. Integrating mental health support into asthma care is crucial for holistic patient well-being and improved asthma control.

The availability of asthma-specific resources also impacts the asthma score. This includes access to asthma medications, such as inhalers and nebulizers, and the availability of affordable options. Practices that work with patients to ensure they can afford their medications and offer assistance with insurance coverage or patient assistance programs would be contributing to better outcomes. The presence of local pharmacies that stock a wide range of asthma medications and provide patient education on their proper use is also a key factor.

Furthermore, the community’s awareness of asthma triggers and management strategies is crucial. Practices that actively participate in educating the community about asthma, through workshops, support groups, or online resources, contribute to improved asthma control. This includes educating patients about environmental triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold, and providing strategies for avoiding them.

The evaluation of the asthma score in 24817 requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is the starting point. Then, evaluating the quality of care provided by individual practices, their adoption of telemedicine, their integration of mental health resources, and their commitment to patient education are essential. Finally, the availability of asthma-specific resources, such as medications and support programs, plays a critical role.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the asthma care landscape in Bradshaw. A comprehensive assessment would involve gathering data from multiple sources, including physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, and community organizations. This data would then be used to create a detailed asthma score, providing a valuable tool for improving healthcare delivery in the area.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in 24817 and other areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you understand the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access, and develop strategies for improving patient outcomes. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape and make informed decisions.