24874, Pineville, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24874, Pineville, West Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.11 percent of the residents in 24874 has some form of health insurance. 83.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.74 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 24874 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24874. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 750 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 107 health care providers accessible to residents in 24874, Pineville, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Pineville, WV (ZIP Code 24874)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Pineville, West Virginia, necessitates a multi-faceted approach, particularly concerning a chronic respiratory condition like asthma. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all within the context of asthma management. The ultimate goal is to provide an 'Asthma Score' analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible primary care. In Pineville (24874), the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Assessing the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code is the initial step. Data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and other publicly available resources can provide the raw numbers. However, merely counting physicians is insufficient. The number must be contextualized by the population of Pineville. This leads to calculating the physician-to-patient ratio.

A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potentially strained healthcare system, where access to timely appointments and personalized care may be limited. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. The national average serves as a benchmark, allowing for a comparison of Pineville’s situation. If the ratio is significantly below the national average, it raises concerns about the ability of residents, especially those with chronic conditions like asthma, to receive prompt medical attention. Delays in care can exacerbate asthma symptoms and lead to more frequent hospitalizations.

Beyond the raw numbers, it is crucial to identify standout practices within the ZIP code. These practices might demonstrate superior asthma management protocols, employ certified asthma educators, or offer comprehensive care that extends beyond medication prescriptions. Examining patient reviews, consulting with local health organizations, and analyzing data on asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits can reveal these high-performing practices. Identifying them is vital because they can serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area.

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Its adoption in Pineville is a key component of the asthma score analysis. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, as it can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially during times of poor air quality or seasonal allergy flare-ups.

Assessing telemedicine adoption requires investigating which practices in Pineville offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals. The availability of these services, coupled with patient satisfaction surveys, provides insights into the effectiveness of telemedicine in improving asthma management. Furthermore, the accessibility of reliable internet infrastructure is crucial. Without adequate internet connectivity, the benefits of telemedicine are severely limited.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma management is crucial. The analysis must explore whether primary care practices in Pineville offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals.

The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists, within the community is also a factor. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on managing the psychological aspects of asthma contributes to a more holistic approach to patient care. The analysis must examine the accessibility of these resources and assess whether they are integrated into the overall asthma management plan.

The 'Asthma Score' itself would be a composite metric, derived from the various factors discussed. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weighted value based on its perceived importance in asthma management. The final score would provide a single, easily understandable measure of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Pineville.

The analysis should also consider any unique challenges faced by the community. Factors such as socioeconomic status, environmental conditions (e.g., air quality), and access to transportation can significantly impact asthma management. Addressing these challenges requires a tailored approach that considers the specific needs of the population. For example, if air quality is a major concern, the analysis should explore the availability of resources to help patients monitor and mitigate their exposure to pollutants.

The final 'Asthma Score' should be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include strategies for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, enhancing mental health services, and addressing environmental factors that contribute to asthma exacerbations. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve the quality of asthma care in Pineville.

The analysis should also highlight any gaps in the data. Healthcare data can be complex and often incomplete. Identifying these gaps is crucial for understanding the limitations of the analysis and for guiding future research efforts. The analysis should also be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, this 'Asthma Score' analysis for Pineville, WV (24874) provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare environment relevant to asthma management. It considers the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, this analysis aims to contribute to better asthma care for residents of Pineville.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pineville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and environmental factors, we encourage you to explore interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping tools can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.