24853, Kimball, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24853, Kimball, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.82 percent of the residents in 24853 has some form of health insurance. 78.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.68 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 24853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 458 health care providers accessible to residents in 24853, Kimball, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Kimball, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24853)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Kimball, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24853) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," assesses the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in managing asthma, alongside related considerations such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific location.

The foundation of any asthma management plan rests on consistent primary care. In Kimball, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a significant determinant of the "Asthma Score." A low PCP-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio in 24853 is crucial. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would provide the necessary figures to quantify this aspect of the score. A scarcity of PCPs would inherently lower the score, reflecting the challenges patients face in securing timely appointments and ongoing care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices plays a crucial role. The "Asthma Score" must consider the practices’ adherence to evidence-based asthma management guidelines. Do the PCPs routinely perform spirometry to assess lung function? Do they provide patients with written asthma action plans? Do they offer patient education on triggers, medication use, and self-management techniques? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these best practices would receive a higher score, reflecting their potential to improve patient outcomes. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would contribute to a lower score, suggesting a potential for suboptimal asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. The ability to access virtual consultations with PCPs, especially for follow-up appointments or medication adjustments, can significantly benefit asthma patients, particularly those facing transportation challenges or living in geographically isolated areas. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score," reflecting their efforts to enhance access and convenience. Practices that have not adopted telemedicine, or have limited its use, would receive a lower score. This reflects a missed opportunity to improve patient care and potentially reduce the burden on the local healthcare system.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. The "Asthma Score" must consider the availability and accessibility of these resources in Kimball. Are there mental health providers accepting new patients? Are there programs specifically addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic illnesses? The presence of these resources would positively impact the score, reflecting the recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. The absence of these resources would negatively affect the score, suggesting a potential gap in care.

Specific practice characteristics also warrant consideration. Are there any standout practices in the area that have demonstrated a commitment to asthma care? Perhaps a practice that has a dedicated asthma educator or offers specialized asthma clinics? Identifying these practices and their unique contributions would provide valuable insights into the strengths of the local healthcare system. Highlighting these practices would positively influence the "Asthma Score" by showcasing examples of excellence in asthma management.

The "Asthma Score" should also consider the availability of specialists. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists (lung specialists) is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity to pulmonologists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to and seen by them, directly impacts the score. A limited availability of specialists would lower the score, indicating potential barriers to accessing specialized care.

Analyzing the data requires a systematic approach. Gathering information from various sources, including local hospitals, clinics, insurance providers, and patient advocacy groups, is essential. Surveys of patients and healthcare providers would provide valuable qualitative data, offering insights into patient experiences and the challenges faced by the healthcare system. This comprehensive data collection process would ensure the "Asthma Score" accurately reflects the realities of asthma care in Kimball.

The "Asthma Score" is not a static measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. New practices opening, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources can all change over time. Regular updates would ensure the score remains relevant and useful for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" for Kimball, West Virginia, is a complex assessment. It demands a thorough understanding of the local healthcare system, including the availability of primary care, the quality of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialists. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating and improving asthma care in the area, highlighting the need for comprehensive and patient-centered approaches.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Kimball, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant resources, consider exploring interactive maps.
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