24831, Elkhorn, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24831, Elkhorn, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.16 percent of the residents in 24831 has some form of health insurance. 65.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.25 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 24831 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24831. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 92 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 446 health care providers accessible to residents in 24831, Elkhorn, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24831 & Primary Care Availability in Elkhorn

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 24831, encompassing the Elkhorn community, to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, with a particular focus on asthma management. We will evaluate key metrics including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately producing an "Asthma Score" ranking.

The foundation of any effective healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Elkhorn (ZIP code 24831), determining the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. This involves calculating the number of active, practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and dividing it by the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical boards can provide the population figures and physician listings. However, this data often requires cross-referencing and verification to ensure accuracy. A low physician-to-patient ratio, such as a ratio of 1:2000 or higher, suggests a potential shortage of PCPs, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments and decreased access to preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio, like 1:500 or lower, typically indicates better access. The ideal ratio is a subject of ongoing debate, but generally, a higher density of PCPs is correlated with improved health outcomes.

The next critical element is evaluating the quality of care provided by the existing primary care practices. This involves assessing several factors, including the practices’ focus on asthma management. Do the practices have protocols for asthma diagnosis and treatment? Do they offer patient education programs focused on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and emergency action plans? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately assess lung function? Furthermore, the practices' commitment to preventative care, such as regular check-ups and vaccinations, is crucial. Practices that consistently implement these measures and demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management would score higher in the “Asthma Score” ranking.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 24831 is also crucial. These are practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly in the context of asthma. This can be achieved by examining patient reviews, assessing accreditation status (e.g., from the National Committee for Quality Assurance), and reviewing any publicly available performance data. Practices that have a high patient satisfaction rate, a strong track record of asthma control, and a commitment to continuous improvement would be considered standout practices. These practices often serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices in asthma management and patient care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the “Asthma Score” ranking. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for asthma follow-up appointments or medication refills? Does it use remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters, to track patients’ lung function and provide timely interventions? Practices that have embraced telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The ability to quickly address asthma symptoms through virtual means can prevent exacerbations and reduce the need for emergency room visits.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. Asthma is often associated with anxiety and depression, and these conditions can significantly impact asthma control. Does the primary care practice have access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals? Does it screen patients for mental health conditions? A practice that proactively addresses the mental health needs of its patients would score higher in the “Asthma Score” ranking. This holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, is a hallmark of high-quality healthcare.

To further enhance the “Asthma Score” analysis, we must consider the availability of ancillary services. Are there readily accessible pharmacies for medication refills? Are there respiratory therapists available for pulmonary function testing and patient education? The proximity and accessibility of these services can significantly impact a patient’s ability to manage their asthma effectively. Practices that have established strong relationships with these ancillary providers and facilitate access to these services would be viewed favorably.

Analyzing the data and assigning scores for each of these categories would allow for the creation of an “Asthma Score” ranking for the primary care practices in ZIP code 24831. The final score would be a composite of the individual scores for each category, weighted according to their relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of telemedicine. The practices would then be ranked based on their total scores, providing a clear picture of the availability and quality of asthma care in Elkhorn.

The “Asthma Score” ranking can be used to inform patients about the best practices for asthma care in their community. It can also be used by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and to learn from the best practices of standout practices. Furthermore, the ranking can be used by policymakers to identify areas where resources are needed to improve access to care and address health disparities.

In conclusion, the “Asthma Score” ranking provides a valuable tool for assessing and improving the quality of asthma care in Elkhorn (ZIP code 24831). By considering physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of ancillary services, we can create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape and identify opportunities for improvement.

To visualize the spatial distribution of these healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility of care in Elkhorn and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and dynamic way to visualize geographic data, allowing you to pinpoint the locations of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, and to analyze their relationship to the population and other factors. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a more comprehensive perspective on healthcare access in your community.