24983, Union, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 24983, Union, West Virginia is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.23 percent of the residents in 24983 has some form of health insurance. 62.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.86 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 24983 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24983. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 632 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 417 health care providers accessible to residents in 24983, Union, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24983 and Primary Care Availability in Union

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly for a condition like asthma, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to manage asthma within ZIP code 24983, encompassing the Union, West Virginia area. We will explore factors impacting asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for utilizing CartoChrome maps for deeper insights.

The foundation of effective asthma management is accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Union, and specifically within ZIP code 24983, is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. However, the rural nature of Union often presents a challenge, suggesting a potentially higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urban areas. This scarcity underscores the importance of optimizing existing resources and exploring innovative solutions.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care provided is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several criteria. Practices excelling in asthma management often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering comprehensive asthma action plans and providing readily available resources. They might also utilize evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to guide treatment decisions. Furthermore, a practice's ability to coordinate care with specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is crucial for patients with complex asthma cases. Researching local practices through patient reviews, online ratings, and inquiries with local health organizations can help identify those with a strong reputation for asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can be significant. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate routine check-ups, medication management, and symptom monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms are likely to offer greater convenience and flexibility for their patients. This includes the ability to schedule virtual appointments, receive remote monitoring of lung function, and access educational materials online. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in ZIP code 24983 would involve examining their websites, contacting their offices, and reviewing patient testimonials.

The intersection of asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can improve patient outcomes and adherence to treatment plans. Determining the availability of these resources requires investigating the referral networks of local practices and assessing the availability of mental health services within the Union community.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is important. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact for many asthma patients, specialized care is often needed for those with more severe or complex conditions. Assessing the proximity and accessibility of these specialists is a critical part of the overall healthcare landscape. This includes evaluating the travel time to specialists, the availability of appointments, and the ability of primary care practices to facilitate referrals.

In conclusion, evaluating the asthma care landscape in ZIP code 24983 requires a thorough understanding of several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. The rural nature of Union presents unique challenges, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions and resource optimization. A practice's commitment to patient education, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the ability to coordinate care with specialists are vital.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Union, including the location of practices, the availability of specialists, and the distribution of resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper analysis of healthcare access and identifying potential areas for improvement. By utilizing this powerful tool, you can gain valuable insights into the healthcare environment in ZIP code 24983 and contribute to improving asthma care for the community.