24918, Ballard, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24918, Ballard, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.31 percent of the residents in 24918 has some form of health insurance. 59.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.10 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 24918 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 526 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24918. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 276 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 85 health care providers accessible to residents in 24918, Ballard, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses asthma care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 24918, Ballard, West Virginia. This evaluation employs a hypothetical “Asthma Score” framework, considering factors relevant to asthma management and overall healthcare availability. This is not a real-world data analysis but a constructed response based on the prompt's requirements.

The Asthma Score, for this analysis, will encompass several key areas. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources for asthma patients. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality and accessibility of care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the healthcare landscape within the specified geographic area, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A high ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care. In a rural area like Ballard, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be a significant factor in the Asthma Score. It is reasonable to assume that the ratio might be less favorable compared to more urban areas with a higher concentration of medical professionals. The impact of this ratio extends beyond just appointment availability; it can also affect the ability of patients to establish ongoing relationships with their physicians, which is crucial for effective asthma management.

Standout practices, those that demonstrate exceptional care and patient outcomes, can significantly elevate the Asthma Score. These practices often employ innovative approaches to asthma management, such as comprehensive patient education programs, proactive monitoring of asthma symptoms, and readily available resources for patients experiencing exacerbations. The identification of such practices within 24918 would be a critical component of the score. This could involve assessing the use of evidence-based guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of specialized services like respiratory therapy or asthma education classes. The presence of a practice with a strong reputation for asthma care would positively influence the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine can provide convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. The degree to which physicians in 24918 have embraced telemedicine would be a significant factor in the Asthma Score. This would involve assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into the existing healthcare infrastructure. Higher telemedicine adoption would suggest improved access and convenience for asthma patients.

Mental health resources are also crucial for asthma patients. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, specifically tailored to the needs of asthma patients, would be a critical element of the Asthma Score. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals who understand the complexities of asthma, the integration of mental health services into asthma management programs, and the availability of resources for patients experiencing emotional distress related to their condition.

Primary care availability is a foundational element of the Asthma Score. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and referrals to specialists. The availability of primary care physicians in 24918, including the number of physicians, their acceptance of new patients, and their appointment availability, would be a critical factor in the overall score. This assessment would also consider the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services.

The Asthma Score would also consider the availability of asthma education programs. These programs empower patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their condition effectively. The presence of certified asthma educators, the availability of educational materials, and the frequency of asthma education classes would all contribute to the score. These programs play a vital role in helping patients understand their triggers, manage their medications, and recognize and respond to asthma exacerbations.

Another important aspect of the score would be the availability of emergency care resources. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening, and timely access to emergency care is essential. This involves assessing the proximity of emergency rooms, the availability of respiratory therapists in emergency settings, and the protocols in place for managing asthma emergencies. The presence of well-equipped emergency care facilities would positively influence the overall score.

The Asthma Score would also consider the availability of pharmacy services. Easy access to asthma medications is crucial for effective management. This involves assessing the number of pharmacies in the area, their operating hours, and their ability to provide timely refills of asthma medications. The presence of a pharmacy with a strong understanding of asthma medications and the ability to provide patient counseling would be a positive factor.

The Asthma Score is a hypothetical construct, and its specific weighting of each factor would be subject to the data available. However, the overall goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care and primary care accessibility within 24918. The score would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. It would also help to highlight best practices and inform strategies for improving asthma care in the community.

The final Asthma Score would reflect a composite of all the factors discussed. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive asthma management programs, and a greater availability of resources for patients. A lower score would indicate areas needing improvement, such as limited access to physicians, a lack of mental health resources, or a shortage of asthma education programs. The score would serve as a benchmark for measuring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving asthma care in Ballard, West Virginia.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 24918, including the location of physicians, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial representation of the data discussed, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in the area.