25183, Sharples, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25183 has some form of health insurance. 25.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 25183 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25183. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 111 health care providers accessible to residents in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia.

The following analysis provides an asthma score ranking for physicians and primary care resources in Sharples, West Virginia (ZIP code 25183). This assessment considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

Sharples, a small community in Logan County, faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural areas often experience shortages of medical professionals, making access to specialized care, like that for asthma, more difficult. The analysis begins with an assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is crucial because it directly impacts the availability of appointments, the time a patient spends with their doctor, and the overall quality of care. While precise, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to obtain publicly, data from sources like the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, when combined with population estimates for Sharples, can provide a reasonable approximation. A low physician-to-patient ratio (meaning more patients per doctor) suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely care. This could translate to longer wait times for appointments, less time for detailed consultations, and a higher likelihood of delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments for asthma.

The next critical element is an examination of the characteristics of local medical practices. This includes evaluating the types of physicians available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, pulmonologists, allergists), the services offered, and the availability of specialized equipment and diagnostic tools. Practices that have pulmonologists or allergists on staff, or readily available referral pathways, would score higher in an asthma-specific ranking. The availability of spirometry testing, a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma, is another key factor. Practices that offer comprehensive asthma management programs, including patient education and self-management training, would also receive higher marks. The presence of after-hours or weekend availability, or 24/7 on-call support, is also a significant advantage, particularly for patients who experience asthma exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for asthma management, medication reviews, and follow-up appointments would be ranked more favorably. This is especially relevant for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who require frequent monitoring. The ease of scheduling telemedicine appointments, the quality of the technology used (e.g., video conferencing, secure messaging), and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's overall workflow are all crucial considerations. Telemedicine can also play a vital role in connecting patients with mental health services, which are often under-resourced in rural communities.

Mental health is a significant factor in asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within a medical practice or through readily accessible referrals is a crucial indicator of comprehensive care. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through strong referral networks to mental health professionals, would score higher. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The ability to address the psychological aspects of asthma can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and adherence to treatment plans.

Standout practices in Sharples would likely be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This means not only providing excellent medical treatment but also addressing the broader needs of patients. These practices might have dedicated asthma educators, offer patient support groups, and actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about asthma and promote healthy living. They would be proactive in monitoring patient outcomes, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and ensuring that patients have the resources they need to manage their condition effectively. They would also be highly adaptable, incorporating telemedicine and other technologies to improve access and convenience.

The evaluation of these factors allows for the creation of an asthma score ranking. This ranking would be based on a weighted scoring system, with different factors assigned different levels of importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, while the availability of patient support groups might be weighted less. The final score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Sharples. It's important to note that this ranking is a snapshot in time and can change as healthcare resources evolve.

The analysis would also identify any gaps in care. For example, if there is a shortage of pulmonologists or a lack of mental health resources, this would be highlighted. This information can be used to advocate for improvements in healthcare services in the area. Addressing these gaps could involve recruiting more specialists, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health support.

The creation of this asthma score ranking requires extensive data collection and analysis. This includes gathering information from medical practices, government agencies, and patient surveys. The data would be carefully analyzed to identify patterns and trends, and to develop a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sharples. This analysis is crucial for asthma patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The final asthma score ranking for physicians in ZIP code 25183, along with the primary care availability analysis, would be a valuable resource for residents seeking asthma care. It would provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also help healthcare providers identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the quality and accessibility of care.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sharples, including the locations of medical practices, physician specialties, and other relevant data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data used in this analysis, making it easier to understand the distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas of need. Explore CartoChrome maps to see the data come alive.