24898, Wyoming, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24898, Wyoming, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24898 has some form of health insurance. 21.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 24898 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24898. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 109 health care providers accessible to residents in 24898, Wyoming, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24898 and Primary Care Availability in Wyoming**

The analysis delves into the quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 24898, a specific geographic area within Wyoming, considering the broader context of primary care availability across the state. This assessment utilizes a hypothetical "Asthma Score" framework, evaluating various factors impacting asthma management, including physician access, resource availability, and innovative healthcare practices. This analysis aims to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care delivery in this region.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in accessible primary care. In Wyoming, and specifically within ZIP Code 24898, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. The Asthma Score would reflect this, penalizing areas with limited physician availability. Public health data, including information from the Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), would be crucial in determining this aspect of the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is equally important. Are physicians concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved? ZIP Code 24898, likely representing a specific town or area, may face challenges if it's geographically isolated or has a predominantly rural population. The Asthma Score would consider the proximity of patients to primary care facilities, incorporating factors like travel time and transportation options.

Within the primary care setting, the Asthma Score would evaluate the practices' specific approaches to asthma care. This includes the availability of spirometry testing, a key diagnostic tool for asthma. Practices that routinely offer this testing would receive a higher score. The use of asthma action plans, individualized written instructions for managing asthma symptoms, is another critical element. The Asthma Score would assess the percentage of patients with asthma who have these plans in place.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care, especially in rural areas like those potentially found within ZIP Code 24898. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The Asthma Score would credit practices that offer telemedicine consultations for asthma management, including follow-up appointments and medication reviews. This aspect would be particularly relevant in a state with vast distances and limited transportation options.

The mental health aspect of asthma management is frequently overlooked, yet it's crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score would evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals. Practices that integrate mental health services or collaborate with mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This integration could include screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, or facilitating access to support groups.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 24898 is essential. These practices may have implemented innovative asthma management programs, demonstrated superior patient outcomes, or excelled in patient education. The Asthma Score would highlight these practices, using metrics such as patient satisfaction scores, asthma control test results, and hospitalization rates. Publicly available data, patient testimonials, and peer reviews would contribute to this evaluation.

The Asthma Score would also consider the availability of asthma education resources. Patient education is critical for empowering individuals to manage their condition effectively. Practices that provide educational materials, offer asthma education classes, or partner with community organizations to promote asthma awareness would receive a higher score. This includes education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and recognizing and responding to asthma exacerbations.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score would take into account the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to specialists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The score would reflect the proximity of these specialists to patients within ZIP Code 24898, considering factors like travel time and referral processes.

The overall Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. The weighting of each factor would be based on its relative importance in achieving optimal asthma control and improving patient outcomes. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of asthma care within the specified area.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within ZIP Code 24898 and the broader context of primary care availability in Wyoming. It would offer recommendations for improvement, such as increasing physician access, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.

To visualize and explore the data behind this analysis, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low Asthma Scores, analyze physician distribution, and understand the impact of various factors on asthma care.