25177, Saint Albans, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25177, Saint Albans, West Virginia is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.92 percent of the residents in 25177 has some form of health insurance. 53.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.83 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 25177 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,749 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25177. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,166 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 25177, Saint Albans, West Virginia.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 25177, encompassing Saint Albans, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. We'll delve into an "Asthma Score" analysis, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on asthma management resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, highlighting strengths and weaknesses for residents seeking asthma care.

The Asthma Score, in this context, isn't a single, quantifiable metric. Instead, it's a composite evaluation based on several factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components of effective asthma management.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Saint Albans are a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to appointment delays and reduced access to care, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with population estimates for 25177, can provide an initial assessment. This data, however, needs to be further refined. We need to differentiate between general practitioners and those specializing in pulmonology or allergy and immunology, the specialists most directly involved in asthma care.

Primary care availability is another significant factor. The presence of multiple primary care practices, both independent and affiliated with larger healthcare systems, increases the likelihood of patients finding a provider who meets their needs. The size and staffing levels of these practices are also important. Larger practices often have more resources, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and potentially asthma educators, who can provide comprehensive asthma management.

Within the primary care landscape, certain practices might stand out. These "standout practices" could be recognized for their commitment to asthma care. This could be reflected in their use of evidence-based asthma guidelines, the availability of spirometry testing (a lung function test), and the integration of patient education programs. Reviews from patients, available through online platforms or local community feedback, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly within primary care practices in Saint Albans, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The adoption rate, the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring devices), and the integration of telemedicine into the overall asthma care plan are all crucial considerations.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as counseling or support groups, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health screening tools, and the collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers are essential components of the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the presence of asthma-specific resources within the community can enhance the Asthma Score. This includes the availability of asthma support groups, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. The involvement of local pharmacies in asthma management, such as providing medication counseling and refill reminders, can also be beneficial.

Analyzing the Asthma Score requires a systematic approach. Gathering data from various sources, including the West Virginia Board of Medicine, local healthcare providers, patient reviews, and community organizations, is essential. This data should be analyzed to assess the physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of community-based asthma support.

The data gathered will then be synthesized to create a comprehensive picture of the asthma care landscape in Saint Albans. This analysis will identify areas of strength, such as practices with excellent asthma management programs or high telemedicine adoption rates. It will also highlight areas for improvement, such as physician shortages or a lack of mental health resources. This holistic view will inform the Asthma Score.

Finally, the analysis should be regularly updated. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging. Regularly updating the Asthma Score ensures that it remains relevant and provides an accurate reflection of the current state of asthma care in Saint Albans. This ongoing assessment will help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourage improvements in the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, primary care practice locations, and accessibility metrics, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare landscape in Saint Albans, West Virginia, enabling you to easily visualize the information discussed in this analysis.