25161, Powellton, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25161, Powellton, West Virginia is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.39 percent of the residents in 25161 has some form of health insurance. 84.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.56 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 25161 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25161. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 122 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 147 health care providers accessible to residents in 25161, Powellton, West Virginia.

Asthma management, a critical component of primary care, demands a comprehensive approach. This analysis evaluates the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 25161 (Powellton, West Virginia), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians and resources, specifically examining factors relevant to asthma patients. The goal is to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all crucial aspects for effective asthma control.

Powellton, a rural community, often faces challenges in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a primary indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying asthma treatment and exacerbating symptoms. The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine and internal medicine specialists, is directly linked to the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, medication management, and education about asthma triggers and self-management techniques. Analyzing the active physician count within the zip code, alongside population data, provides a preliminary assessment of access. Further, the types of practices available are important. Are there solo practitioners, or group practices with multiple physicians? Group practices often offer greater flexibility in scheduling and the potential for a wider range of expertise.

Standout practices are those demonstrating excellence in asthma care. This includes practices that have a high patient satisfaction rate, actively participate in asthma-specific quality improvement programs, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education. Practices that employ certified asthma educators (CAEs) are particularly valuable. CAEs are trained professionals who can provide personalized asthma management plans, teach proper inhaler techniques, and help patients identify and avoid asthma triggers. These practices should also have a robust system for monitoring asthma control, such as regular assessments of symptoms, medication adherence, and lung function. The use of standardized asthma action plans, tailored to each patient's individual needs, is another hallmark of high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in rural areas like Powellton. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can improve access to care, especially for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility limitations. This is particularly relevant for asthma patients, who may benefit from regular check-ins to monitor their symptoms and adjust their treatment plans. The availability of telemedicine services for asthma management within the zip code is a key factor in the 'Asthma Score'. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors such as reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the availability of necessary equipment, such as peak flow meters.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are critical. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Patients with poorly controlled asthma may experience frequent exacerbations, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations, which can further exacerbate mental health issues. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore an essential component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma management protocols are particularly valuable. This includes the ability to identify and address mental health concerns, and to provide patients with access to appropriate mental health support.

Assessing the 'Asthma Score' requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not simply a matter of counting doctors. It involves evaluating the quality of care, the availability of resources, and the integration of mental health support. The score should be based on a combination of factors, including: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of certified asthma educators, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health services, patient satisfaction ratings, and participation in asthma-specific quality improvement programs. This data should be gathered from various sources, including public health data, physician directories, patient surveys, and practice websites.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios is critical. A low ratio indicates potential access limitations. The presence of group practices, with multiple physicians, can improve access. The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Practices that offer telemedicine options can improve access for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility limitations. The availability of mental health resources is also essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma management protocols are particularly valuable.

The 'Asthma Score' for Powellton, therefore, will be dependent on the specific data gathered. A high score indicates a strong healthcare infrastructure for asthma patients, with ample access to qualified physicians, comprehensive asthma management programs, and integrated mental health support. A low score indicates potential challenges in accessing care, highlighting the need for improvements in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

This analysis offers a starting point for understanding the asthma care landscape in Powellton. Further investigation, including on-site assessments and patient interviews, would provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma management within the community. This would allow for a more accurate and comprehensive 'Asthma Score' assessment.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Powellton and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you explore the data and identify areas with limited access to care.