25085, Gauley Bridge, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25085, Gauley Bridge, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.05 percent of the residents in 25085 has some form of health insurance. 49.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.87 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 25085 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 155 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25085. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 63 health care providers accessible to residents in 25085, Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Gauley Bridge, WV (ZIP Code 25085)

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25085) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the landscape of primary care physicians, the resources available for asthma management, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" analysis, offering insights into the accessibility and effectiveness of care for individuals in this specific geographic area.

The first critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP Code 25085 is essential. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide this data. However, simply counting physicians isn't enough. We must consider the population size of Gauley Bridge and the surrounding areas that might utilize the same healthcare resources. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and consistent care, which can be detrimental to asthma management.

Beyond the raw numbers, we need to investigate the practices themselves. Are there any standout practices in Gauley Bridge or nearby areas that are particularly well-equipped to handle asthma? This requires researching the services offered by each practice. Do they have dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists on staff? Do they offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs) on-site? Practices that actively participate in asthma management programs, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), would receive a higher score. We need to identify practices that prioritize patient education, provide individualized asthma action plans, and proactively monitor patient progress.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Asthma Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for asthma patients, particularly those in rural areas like Gauley Bridge. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would receive a higher score. The ability to connect with a physician remotely can significantly improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The Asthma Score must consider the availability of mental health services within the community and the practices' integration of these services into their care models. Do practices offer on-site mental health support or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health and proactively address these needs would receive a higher score.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score should evaluate the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for complex cases. The analysis should assess the proximity of specialists to Gauley Bridge and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals. The presence of a local hospital with a dedicated respiratory therapy department would also positively impact the score.

Another critical aspect to consider is the availability of asthma medications and supplies. The analysis should examine the proximity of pharmacies to the residents of Gauley Bridge and the ease with which they can obtain their prescribed medications. Are there any programs or resources available to assist patients with the cost of medications? Practices that actively work to ensure patients have access to affordable medications and necessary supplies would receive a higher score.

Finally, community resources play a vital role. The Asthma Score should consider the presence of community-based asthma education programs, support groups, and initiatives aimed at improving air quality. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can significantly enhance asthma management and improve patient outcomes.

Based on these factors, the Asthma Score for Gauley Bridge would be determined. The score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. It would be a composite score, weighing each factor based on its importance. The higher the score, the better the asthma care available to residents of Gauley Bridge.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement. Perhaps the physician-to-patient ratio is low, or telemedicine adoption is limited. The analysis would highlight these weaknesses and suggest strategies for improvement. This might involve recruiting more physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, or establishing partnerships with community organizations.

The Asthma Score is not just a number; it is a snapshot of the healthcare landscape. It is a tool that can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients make informed decisions about their care, guide providers in improving their services, and inform policymakers about the need for healthcare investments.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gauley Bridge and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of geographic data, allowing you to explore physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant factors.

**Call to Action:** Explore the possibilities of using CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze healthcare data in Gauley Bridge and other communities. Understanding the geographic distribution of resources is crucial for improving access to care and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to breathe easier.