24935, Forest Hill, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24935, Forest Hill, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24935 has some form of health insurance. 69.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.57 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 24935 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 57 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24935. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 162 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 90 health care providers accessible to residents in 24935, Forest Hill, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Forest Hill, WV (ZIP Code 24935)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Forest Hill, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24935) necessitates a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing the availability and quality of care for individuals managing asthma. This analysis will delve into key factors impacting asthma management, focusing on physician accessibility, primary care resources, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, ultimately providing an “Asthma Score” assessment for the region.

Forest Hill, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The success of asthma management hinges on consistent access to primary care physicians (PCPs) who can diagnose, treat, and monitor the condition effectively. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to delayed appointments, increased travel times, and potentially poorer health outcomes for asthma sufferers. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP Code 24935 requires specific data, including the number of practicing PCPs within the area and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate this ratio. However, this analysis will assume a conservative ratio, reflecting the rural nature of the area.

Primary care availability extends beyond the sheer number of physicians. The presence of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is crucial. While a small community may not have these specialists on-site, the ability to access them, either through referrals or telemedicine, is paramount. The availability of after-hours care, including urgent care facilities or on-call services, is also vital for managing asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, the availability of asthma educators and respiratory therapists can significantly improve patient outcomes by providing education on medication adherence, trigger avoidance, and proper inhaler technique. The existence of these resources significantly impacts the overall “Asthma Score.”

Telemedicine adoption is a game-changer, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. For asthma patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for monitoring symptoms, adjusting medications, and providing education on asthma management. The “Asthma Score” is significantly influenced by the availability and utilization of telemedicine services by local primary care practices. Assessing which practices offer telemedicine capabilities, the types of services provided, and the patient satisfaction with these services is essential.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is vital for providing comprehensive care. Integrating mental health services into primary care practices or establishing referral pathways to mental health providers can improve patient outcomes. The “Asthma Score” will reflect the availability of mental health support and the integration of mental health services into asthma care.

Identifying standout practices in the area requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This includes assessing patient satisfaction, the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Practices that prioritize patient education, actively monitor asthma control, and provide comprehensive care will likely have better patient outcomes. Gathering patient reviews, analyzing practice websites, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each practice. The “Asthma Score” will reflect the identification of practices that excel in asthma management.

To assess the “Asthma Score,” a weighted scoring system is proposed. Each of the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, availability of specialists and after-hours care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists may be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific context of the community. Each factor will then be scored based on available data, and the overall “Asthma Score” will be calculated. The score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma management in Forest Hill.

The final “Asthma Score” will be a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the region. The score will be categorized, ranging from poor to excellent, based on the total points earned. A poor score would indicate significant challenges in accessing quality asthma care, while an excellent score would suggest a well-resourced and accessible healthcare system. The “Asthma Score” is not a static measure. It should be regularly updated as healthcare resources evolve and new data becomes available. The analysis should be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for increased resources and services to support asthma patients in Forest Hill.

The creation of this “Asthma Score” analysis is an iterative process. The initial assessment is based on available data and assumptions. As more specific data becomes available, the analysis can be refined, and the “Asthma Score” can be updated to reflect the changing healthcare landscape. The ultimate goal is to provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve asthma management in Forest Hill.

To further enhance this analysis and visualize the healthcare landscape, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, the location of practices, and the accessibility of care for asthma patients in Forest Hill. Visualize the physician-to-patient ratios, the location of specialists, and the availability of telemedicine services. This visual representation can be a valuable tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to collaborate, and policymakers seeking to improve healthcare access.

**Call to Action:** Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the healthcare landscape in Forest Hill, WV, and gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting asthma management. Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about how their mapping solutions can help you.