24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24845 has some form of health insurance. 81.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.48 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 24845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24845. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 66 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24845 and Primary Care in Ikes Fork**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 24845, encompassing the community, and specifically assesses the availability of primary care resources in the nearby area of Ikes Fork. We will evaluate the asthma care landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible primary care. In Ikes Fork, the availability of primary care physicians is crucial. An initial assessment would involve determining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals how many patients each primary care physician is responsible for. A high ratio can indicate potential challenges in timely appointments, thorough examinations, and personalized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can offer population estimates and physician counts, enabling a preliminary ratio calculation. Further investigation would delve into the specific types of primary care providers available, including family physicians, internists, and pediatricians.

Within ZIP Code 24845, the presence of specialized asthma care is another key consideration. This includes pulmonologists, allergists, and asthma specialists. The proximity of these specialists to the population is vital. Longer travel distances can deter patients from seeking necessary consultations and treatments. The ‘Asthma Score’ would reflect the density of specialists within the ZIP code or in easily accessible neighboring areas. The score would also consider the integration of these specialists with primary care providers, assessing whether there are established referral pathways and collaborative care models.

Identifying standout practices is critical. These are healthcare facilities that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This evaluation would involve examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to national asthma guidelines, and the implementation of innovative treatment approaches. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide personalized asthma action plans, and offer comprehensive follow-up care would be highly regarded. The ‘Asthma Score’ would be influenced by the number and quality of these standout practices within or serving the target area.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly significant in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The ‘Asthma Score’ would assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers and specialists in the region. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices, and online patient portals. Practices that leverage telemedicine to provide convenient and accessible asthma care would receive higher scores.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. A comprehensive ‘Asthma Score’ must consider the availability of mental health services within the healthcare system. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening tools. Practices that prioritize the mental health needs of their asthma patients would be recognized for their holistic approach to care.

The ‘Asthma Score’ would also consider the availability of educational resources for patients and their families. Asthma education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. The assessment would evaluate whether healthcare providers offer educational programs, provide written materials, and offer opportunities for patients to learn self-management techniques. This also includes assessing the availability of asthma support groups and community resources.

Finally, the ‘Asthma Score’ would incorporate data on medication access and affordability. The availability of asthma medications, including both rescue inhalers and controller medications, is essential. The score would consider the presence of pharmacies within the ZIP code and the accessibility of prescription assistance programs. Affordability is a critical factor, and the score would reflect the efforts of healthcare providers to help patients manage the costs of their medications.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma care landscape in ZIP Code 24845 and the surrounding areas, particularly in Ikes Fork, requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialists, the identification of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of educational resources, and medication access all contribute to the overall ‘Asthma Score’. This score provides a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure and for identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing data and identifying patterns, offering a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.