25040, Charlton Heights, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25040, Charlton Heights, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25040 has some form of health insurance. 16.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 93.93 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 25040 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 221 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25040. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 68 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 80 health care providers accessible to residents in 25040, Charlton Heights, West Virginia.

Charlton Heights, West Virginia, nestled within ZIP code 25040, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care, particularly for primary care physicians, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis assesses the current situation, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement, while also touching upon the broader context of healthcare access within this rural community.

The concept of an “Asthma Score” for physicians isn’t a standardized metric. Instead, this analysis considers various factors that contribute to effective asthma management, translating these into a relative ranking for doctors in 25040. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial aspects of holistic asthma treatment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. Rural communities often face a shortage of healthcare providers, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, alongside publicly available information on physician staffing at local clinics and hospitals, helps determine the approximate number of patients served by each primary care physician (PCP) in the area. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, could suggest increased pressure on existing resources and potentially impact the quality of asthma care.

Identifying standout practices involves assessing the specific services offered by each clinic or physician. This includes the availability of spirometry testing (a crucial tool for diagnosing and monitoring asthma), the use of asthma action plans, and the provision of patient education materials. Practices that actively participate in asthma-focused continuing medical education (CME) and demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based asthma management protocols receive higher marks in this evaluation. Information about these practices can be gleaned from online reviews, patient testimonials, and direct inquiries to the clinics themselves.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be a significant barrier to healthcare access in Charlton Heights. The analysis assesses which practices offer telehealth consultations for asthma management, including follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices that utilize secure video conferencing platforms and provide clear instructions on how to access and use these services receive higher scores.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The analysis considers whether practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and collaborate with mental health providers receive higher marks. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, leading to better patient outcomes.

Primary care availability in Charlton Heights is a key factor. The number of PCPs available, their geographic distribution, and their acceptance of new patients all influence access to care. This analysis considers the density of primary care practices within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Practices that are easily accessible, accept a variety of insurance plans, and are actively accepting new patients are rated more favorably.

Beyond individual practices, the broader healthcare infrastructure of Charlton Heights is examined. This includes the presence of a local hospital or clinic with emergency services, the availability of pharmacies, and the accessibility of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists. The presence of these resources enhances the overall quality of care and provides a safety net for patients with severe asthma.

Data collection for this analysis relies on a combination of publicly available information, including state health department data, online physician directories, and clinic websites. Patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the patient experience, while direct inquiries to the clinics help clarify specific services and practices.

Based on the available data, it is possible to develop a relative ranking of physicians and practices in 25040. This ranking, presented as an “Asthma Score,” would categorize physicians based on the factors discussed above. Practices excelling in multiple areas, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, would receive higher scores. The score is not a definitive judgment of quality, but rather a relative measure of the resources and services available to asthma patients in the area.

The analysis also identifies potential areas for improvement. This might include increasing the number of PCPs in the area, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing the integration of mental health resources. The findings can be used to inform healthcare planning and resource allocation, ultimately leading to better asthma care for residents of Charlton Heights.

For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering telemedicine consultations, and actively referring patients to mental health services would receive a higher Asthma Score. Conversely, a practice with a high ratio, limited telemedicine options, and no apparent mental health integration would receive a lower score. This comparative approach helps patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlights areas where the healthcare system can be strengthened.

The final “Asthma Score” for each physician in 25040 provides a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape. It empowers patients to make informed choices and encourages healthcare providers to continuously improve their services. This is a dynamic process, requiring ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The data used in this analysis can be visualized and explored using advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the accessibility of care in Charlton Heights.