24901, Lewisburg, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24901, Lewisburg, West Virginia is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.55 percent of the residents in 24901 has some form of health insurance. 50.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.87 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 24901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,920 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24901. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,452 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 510 health care providers accessible to residents in 24901, Lewisburg, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lewisburg, WV (ZIP Code 24901)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Lewisburg, West Virginia (ZIP code 24901) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the number of physicians but also their specializations, the accessibility of their practices, and the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. Furthermore, the presence of supportive resources, such as mental health services, plays a critical role in managing a chronic condition like asthma. This analysis will assess the current landscape and offer insights into potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective asthma care lies in the availability of qualified medical professionals. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall physician density in rural areas like Lewisburg often lags behind urban centers. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer asthma management. Determining the exact ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists within the 24901 ZIP code is the first step. This data should then be compared to national or regional averages to gauge the relative availability of care.

Beyond raw numbers, the specialization of available physicians is vital. While PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma management, the availability of pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases) is essential for patients with moderate to severe asthma. A robust healthcare system will have both PCPs and pulmonologists, allowing for a tiered approach to care, where PCPs manage milder cases and pulmonologists provide specialized treatment for more complex situations. The presence of allergists, who can identify and manage environmental triggers, is also a significant asset.

Accessibility extends beyond simply having a physician in the area. Factors such as insurance acceptance, office hours, and the physical location of practices are important considerations. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, will be more accessible to a broader segment of the population. Office hours that accommodate working individuals and families, including evening and weekend appointments, can also significantly improve access to care. Furthermore, the physical accessibility of the office itself, considering factors like parking and ease of access for individuals with disabilities, is essential.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational models and patient outcomes. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens are likely to achieve better outcomes. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key indicator of a modern and efficient practice. EHRs allow for better communication between physicians, improved medication management, and easier access to patient information. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, highlighting practices that excel in patient care and communication.

The integration of telemedicine is transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. For asthma management, telemedicine can be used for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are demonstrating a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to a physician, can further enhance asthma management through telemedicine.

Asthma is often linked to other health concerns, including mental health. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult for patients to manage their condition. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists and counselors, is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can lead to improved asthma control and overall quality of life.

Assessing the availability of asthma education resources is also important. Asthma education programs can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, understand their triggers, and recognize the early signs of an exacerbation. The presence of certified asthma educators within the practice or the availability of community-based education programs can significantly improve patient outcomes. These programs often cover topics such as proper inhaler technique, medication management, and environmental control measures.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for doctors in ZIP code 24901 is therefore a complex assessment. It is a composite score that considers physician-to-patient ratios, specialization, accessibility, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and patient education resources. While specific data points would be required to generate a precise score, the analysis suggests that Lewisburg, like many rural communities, may face challenges in terms of physician density and access to specialized care. However, the presence of dedicated practices, the potential for telemedicine adoption, and the availability of community resources can significantly improve asthma management. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of these factors are essential to ensure that residents of Lewisburg have access to the best possible asthma care.

Ultimately, understanding the geographical distribution of these resources is critical. Cartographic visualization can provide a powerful tool for understanding the landscape of asthma care in Lewisburg. Visualizing the locations of physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources on a map can reveal patterns and highlight areas where access to care may be limited.

To explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the asthma care landscape in Lewisburg, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps.