24871, Pageton, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 24871 has some form of health insurance. 88.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.09 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 24871 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24871. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 108 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Pageton, West Virginia, specifically within the 24871 ZIP code, necessitates a deep dive into the availability of primary care physicians and their capacity to manage asthma. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score" assessment, will consider several key factors, offering a nuanced perspective on the quality and accessibility of care for individuals living with this chronic respiratory condition.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Pageton is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors serving a larger population, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more favorable environment for receiving timely and comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would provide the most current and accurate figures for physician density in the area.

Beyond raw numbers, the composition of the primary care workforce is crucial. Are there enough board-certified family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians? Each specialty brings a unique skillset to the table. Family physicians often serve as the first point of contact, coordinating care and managing a wide range of conditions, including asthma. Internal medicine specialists focus on adult health, while pediatricians specialize in the care of children. The presence of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is also significant, especially for patients with severe or poorly controlled asthma.

Identifying standout practices within the 24871 ZIP code requires a qualitative assessment. This involves researching individual practices, examining their patient reviews, and, if possible, speaking with local community members. Key indicators of a high-performing practice include: a commitment to patient education about asthma triggers and management techniques; the availability of asthma action plans tailored to individual patients; and a proactive approach to monitoring lung function through spirometry or peak flow meters. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on asthma control, should also be recognized.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the "Asthma Score" analysis. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Pageton. Telemedicine consultations can be used for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. The availability of virtual asthma education programs, allowing patients to learn about their condition and self-management strategies from the comfort of their homes, is particularly valuable. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, should receive higher marks.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Individuals with asthma are at higher risk for anxiety and depression, which can worsen their asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their asthma management programs, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and certified asthma educators, contributes to the overall quality of asthma care. Respiratory therapists provide specialized care for patients with breathing difficulties, while certified asthma educators offer expert guidance on asthma management, including medication use, trigger avoidance, and symptom recognition. The presence of these resources within or readily accessible to primary care practices enhances the capacity to provide comprehensive asthma care.

The "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 24871 would be a composite of these factors. It would not be a simple numerical ranking but a nuanced assessment reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of asthma care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive monitoring, telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health services would receive higher scores. The physician-to-patient ratio, the composition of the primary care workforce, and the availability of ancillary services would also be considered.

The primary care availability in Pageton, as it relates to asthma, is inextricably linked to the overall health of the community. Addressing any identified deficiencies, such as a low physician-to-patient ratio or limited access to mental health resources, requires a collaborative effort. This includes attracting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and fostering partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers.

In conclusion, assessing the "Asthma Score" for Pageton, West Virginia, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem. The availability of primary care physicians, their expertise in asthma management, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services are all critical factors. The goal is to ensure that individuals with asthma in the 24871 ZIP code have access to high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive care.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pageton and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a dynamic and interactive platform for mapping and analyzing healthcare data, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members alike.