25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25174 has some form of health insurance. 62.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.26 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 25174 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 38 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25174. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 65 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 68 health care providers accessible to residents in 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Rock Creek, WV (ZIP Code 25174)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in Rock Creek, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25174) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the raw number of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and the availability of supporting resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, though it's important to remember that such a score is inherently complex and relies on estimations and publicly available data.

The initial hurdle is physician density. ZIP Code 25174 is a rural area. This immediately suggests a potential challenge: a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urban settings. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain without proprietary data, the limited population base coupled with potential geographic barriers will likely translate to fewer primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists. This scarcity can impact timely access to care, a critical factor in asthma management. Delays in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and follow-up appointments can lead to exacerbations and a reduced quality of life for asthma sufferers.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating care. In Rock Creek, the availability of PCPs directly influences the asthma score. A higher concentration of PCPs, or practices accepting new patients, would positively impact the score. Conversely, long wait times for appointments or limited practice hours would negatively affect the score. Researching the specific practices within the ZIP code is crucial. Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) that might offer sliding-scale fees and serve a wider patient population? This information would be a significant factor in the score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves investigating factors like patient reviews, the availability of asthma-specific education programs, and the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Do any local practices actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives? Are they utilizing asthma action plans and providing patient education materials? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these best practices would earn a higher score. Furthermore, the presence of certified asthma educators (CAEs) within a practice would be a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education. The availability of telehealth services, and the ease with which patients can access them, is a crucial component of the asthma score. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, and offering virtual appointments, would receive a higher ranking. The ability to monitor patients' asthma symptoms remotely, through devices that track peak flow or medication adherence, would further elevate a practice's score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referral networks, is a vital aspect of comprehensive asthma management. Practices that recognize the link between asthma and mental health, and actively screen for mental health concerns, would be favorably ranked. The presence of on-site therapists or readily available referral pathways to mental health professionals would be a significant positive.

The "Asthma Score" itself would be a composite measure, assigning weights to each of the factors discussed. Physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, standout practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability would each contribute to the overall score. The score would ideally range from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest quality of asthma care and access.

For Rock Creek, the score would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges of a rural setting. The limited physician density and potential geographic barriers would likely weigh down the score. However, practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, telemedicine, and mental health integration could significantly improve their individual scores and contribute to a higher overall score for the community.

To enhance the accuracy of the analysis, it is essential to gather more specific data. This includes:

* **Directly contacting local practices:** This would provide information on patient volume, appointment availability, telemedicine services, and educational programs.
* **Reviewing patient reviews:** Online reviews can offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication with physicians, and the overall quality of care.
* **Consulting with local health officials:** County health departments or regional healthcare organizations may have data on physician availability, community health needs, and local initiatives.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" is a dynamic measure that can be improved through ongoing assessment and the implementation of evidence-based practices. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and work collaboratively to enhance the quality of asthma care for the residents of Rock Creek, West Virginia. This includes promoting access to care, fostering patient education, and integrating mental health services into the care model.

The complexity of this analysis underscores the need for a visual representation of the data. Understanding the geographic distribution of resources, the location of practices, and the areas of greatest need can be greatly enhanced through the use of interactive maps.

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