24910, Alderson, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24910, Alderson, West Virginia is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.09 percent of the residents in 24910 has some form of health insurance. 51.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.58 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 24910 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 744 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24910. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 714 health care providers accessible to residents in 24910, Alderson, West Virginia.

The analysis below provides an asthma score assessment for physicians in ZIP code 24910, focusing on primary care availability in Alderson, West Virginia. This evaluation considers several key factors influencing asthma management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health support. Due to the relatively small size and rural nature of Alderson, the data available is limited, and the analysis relies on publicly accessible information, supplemented by reasonable inferences.

Alderson, nestled in the Greenbrier Valley, presents unique challenges for healthcare delivery. The town's population is modest, and the surrounding area is sparsely populated. This geographic context significantly impacts the availability of healthcare professionals and resources. Asthma management, therefore, requires a thoughtful approach, considering the constraints of a rural setting.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Alderson and the surrounding ZIP code area are likely higher than the national average. This means that each primary care physician (PCP) is likely responsible for a larger patient population. This situation can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual attention during consultations. The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is also a concern. Patients may need to travel significant distances to access specialized asthma care, creating a barrier to timely and effective treatment. The score reflects these realities, acknowledging the inherent challenges.

Standout practices in the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and proactive asthma management. This includes practices that offer comprehensive asthma education, including self-management techniques, trigger avoidance strategies, and proper inhaler use. Practices that actively monitor patient asthma control through regular assessments and medication adjustments are also highly valued. Unfortunately, identifying specific practices with such attributes requires more detailed local knowledge, which is not available for this analysis. The score considers the potential for such practices to exist and thrive within the community.

Telemedicine adoption is crucial in a rural setting like Alderson. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. This is particularly important for asthma management, as virtual consultations can be used for medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, such as video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, are likely to provide superior asthma care. The score gives significant weight to the presence and utilization of telemedicine.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can exacerbate anxiety and depression, and these mental health conditions can, in turn, worsen asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who are familiar with the challenges of managing chronic respiratory conditions. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma management programs are highly rated. The score reflects the need for such integration, even if specific resources are difficult to identify.

The asthma score for physicians in ZIP code 24910 is therefore assessed as moderate, reflecting the challenges inherent in rural healthcare delivery. The score is diminished by the likely high physician-to-patient ratios and the potential for limited access to specialists. The score is elevated by the potential for telemedicine adoption and the need for integrated mental health services. The score also considers the importance of patient education and proactive asthma management strategies.

Primary care availability in Alderson is a critical factor in the overall asthma score. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs is essential for providing timely access to care. The score considers the geographic proximity of PCPs to the population of Alderson. The score also considers the capacity of PCPs to effectively manage asthma, including their knowledge of asthma guidelines and their ability to prescribe appropriate medications.

The score is further influenced by the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapists and asthma educators. These professionals play a vital role in providing patient education, monitoring lung function, and assisting with medication management. The score reflects the importance of these services in improving asthma outcomes.

In conclusion, the asthma score for physicians in ZIP code 24910 is a composite measure that reflects the complex interplay of various factors. While the rural nature of Alderson presents challenges, opportunities exist to improve asthma care through telemedicine, patient education, and the integration of mental health services. The score serves as a starting point for evaluating the quality of asthma care in the area and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Alderson and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and identifying patterns and trends.