25243, Gandeeville, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25243, Gandeeville, West Virginia is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.08 percent of the residents in 25243 has some form of health insurance. 68.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.36 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 25243 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 89 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25243. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 210 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 202 health care providers accessible to residents in 25243, Gandeeville, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Gandeeville, WV (ZIP Code 25243)

Analyzing the asthma care landscape within Gandeeville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25243) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the direct medical care provided by physicians but also the broader context of primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, acknowledging the limitations of such a metric in capturing the full complexity of healthcare delivery, but striving to offer a useful overview.

The foundation of asthma care lies with the primary care physicians (PCPs) within the area. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding counties. Comparing this number to the population of Gandeeville, and considering the prevalence of asthma (which is often higher in rural areas), helps determine if there are sufficient PCPs to meet the community's needs. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a higher-than-average asthma prevalence, would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care must be examined. This includes factors such as appointment availability, wait times, and the scope of services offered. Are PCPs equipped to diagnose and manage asthma effectively? Do they have access to spirometry equipment for assessing lung function? Do they have established protocols for asthma management, including patient education on inhaler techniques, trigger avoidance, and action plans? The presence of these elements would positively influence the Asthma Score.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. Some practices may excel in asthma management, perhaps through specialized training of their staff, a commitment to patient education, or a strong focus on preventative care. Investigating patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and any awards or recognition received by local practices can help identify those that are performing well. These practices, if identified, would significantly elevate the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, making healthcare more accessible for residents of rural areas like Gandeeville. The availability of virtual consultations with PCPs, pulmonologists, or asthma specialists can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, especially for routine follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and education. The extent of telemedicine integration within local practices, including the availability of virtual asthma education programs, would positively impact the Asthma Score.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, and these conditions can, in turn, exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within Gandeeville or nearby areas is essential. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or the establishment of referral pathways to mental health providers, would be highly beneficial. A lack of these resources would significantly detract from the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the availability of other supportive services should be considered. This includes access to pharmacies that stock asthma medications and devices, as well as respiratory therapists who can provide education and support. The presence of community health programs that offer asthma education or support groups would also contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

Data gathering for this analysis would involve several steps. Publicly available data from HRSA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health departments would be consulted. Local healthcare providers would be contacted to gather information on their services, telemedicine adoption, and referral practices. Patient feedback, if available, would be incorporated.

The Asthma Score itself would be a composite metric, assigning points based on the factors discussed above. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for asthma care, with readily available PCPs, effective asthma management protocols, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. A lower score would reflect challenges in these areas, potentially indicating a need for improved access to care, increased investment in asthma education, and a greater focus on the mental health needs of asthma patients.

The limitations of this type of analysis must be acknowledged. The Asthma Score would be a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The score would also be based on available data, which may not always be complete or entirely accurate. Furthermore, the analysis would not capture the lived experiences of individual asthma patients, which are crucial to understanding the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Despite these limitations, an Asthma Score analysis can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within Gandeeville. It can help identify areas where improvements are needed and inform efforts to enhance the quality of life for asthma patients in the community. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions and improve the overall health of the population.

To visualize and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physicians, pharmacies, and mental health providers within and around Gandeeville, WV, consider exploring **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery.