25169, Ridgeview, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25169, Ridgeview, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.12 percent of the residents in 25169 has some form of health insurance. 76.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.93 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 25169 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 91 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25169. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 25169, Ridgeview, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Ridgeview, WV (ZIP Code 25169)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Ridgeview, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25169) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the quality of care provided by physicians, the accessibility of primary care, the availability of specialized asthma resources, and the integration of modern healthcare tools. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the community. This analysis is hypothetical and relies on assumptions about data availability and interpretation.

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is the availability of qualified physicians. In Ridgeview, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to delayed appointments, less frequent follow-ups, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Determining this ratio accurately requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists practicing within the ZIP code, coupled with population data. Publicly available sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards provide this information. We assume, for this analysis, a moderate physician-to-patient ratio, suggesting a reasonable level of access but potential for improvement.

Primary care availability is crucial. PCPs are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, medication management, and referrals to specialists. The physical accessibility of these practices is also important. Factors like transportation options, practice hours, and the availability of same-day appointments influence patient access. In Ridgeview, we assume that primary care access is generally good, with a few practices located within the community and offering a range of services. However, the presence of a significant rural population might present challenges related to transportation and geographic access.

Standout practices can significantly impact the overall quality of asthma care. These practices often excel in specific areas, such as patient education, asthma action plan development, and proactive monitoring. Identifying these practices requires analyzing patient reviews, surveying community members, and evaluating the practices’ adherence to national asthma guidelines. For example, a practice with a dedicated asthma educator or a program focused on home environmental control could be considered a standout. We will assume a couple of practices in Ridgeview are actively pursuing these best practices.

The adoption of telemedicine is a key indicator of a modern and accessible healthcare system. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education, can significantly improve asthma management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The level of telemedicine adoption among Ridgeview physicians is a crucial factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer more convenient and flexible care, potentially improving patient adherence to treatment plans. We will assume a limited but growing adoption of telemedicine, with some practices offering virtual follow-up appointments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, is crucial for supporting asthma patients. The integration of mental health services into primary care or the availability of readily accessible mental health specialists in Ridgeview are key indicators of a holistic approach to asthma care. We will assume that there is a need for improved integration of mental health resources, with limited access to specialized mental health providers.

Specialized asthma resources, such as pulmonologists and allergists, are essential for managing severe or complex cases. The presence of these specialists within the community or within a reasonable travel distance is a crucial factor. Access to specialized diagnostic tools, such as pulmonary function tests, is also important. We will assume that Ridgeview has access to pulmonologists and allergists within a reasonable distance, providing specialized care options.

Patient education is a vital component of asthma management. Patients need to understand their condition, medications, triggers, and how to manage their symptoms effectively. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education materials, offer asthma action plans, and conduct regular follow-up appointments focused on education are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. We will assume that patient education is variable, with some practices excelling in this area while others could improve their educational efforts.

Medication availability and affordability are critical factors. The accessibility of necessary medications, including both maintenance and rescue inhalers, is essential for effective asthma control. The affordability of these medications is also a concern, as high out-of-pocket costs can lead to non-adherence to treatment plans. We will assume that medication access and affordability are generally good in Ridgeview, but some patients may face challenges related to insurance coverage or medication costs.

The overall “Asthma Score” for Ridgeview, WV (25169) would be a composite of these factors. The score, expressed as a percentage, would reflect the overall quality of asthma care in the community. Based on the assumptions above, we would estimate a moderate score, indicating a need for improvements in several areas. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care access, and the presence of specialists are strengths. However, the limited adoption of telemedicine, the need for improved mental health integration, and variable patient education represent areas for improvement.

To further enhance this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Ridgeview, utilizing data visualization tools is highly recommended. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable platform for visualizing physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources. By overlaying data on a map, we can identify areas with high asthma prevalence, low physician density, and limited access to care. This visual representation can help policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations make informed decisions about resource allocation and program development.

For a more in-depth analysis of asthma care in Ridgeview, WV, and to visualize the data discussed, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. By using CartoChrome, you can unlock valuable insights and identify opportunities to improve asthma management within the community.