25248, Kenna, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25248, Kenna, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.81 percent of the residents in 25248 has some form of health insurance. 36.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.07 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 25248 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 690 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25248. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 801 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 270 health care providers accessible to residents in 25248, Kenna, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, disproportionately affects certain populations. Assessing the quality of care available to asthma sufferers involves evaluating several factors, including physician access, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis focuses on the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 25248, specifically the Kenna, West Virginia area, to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, aiming to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the provision of asthma care.

The first critical element in evaluating asthma care is physician access. The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 25248, and the surrounding areas, requires careful examination. Data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau must be cross-referenced to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, available to serve the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for specialists, can significantly hinder timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing management of asthma. Long wait times for appointments, a common consequence of physician shortages, can lead to increased asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life for patients.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians is also crucial. Are physicians concentrated in one location, or are they spread throughout the community to ensure accessibility for all residents, including those in rural areas or with limited transportation options? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve a higher proportion of patients with chronic conditions like asthma, should also be considered. These providers often have sliding-scale fee structures and offer comprehensive services, making them critical access points for vulnerable populations.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP Code is another vital component of the Asthma Score analysis. This involves researching practices known for their expertise in asthma management. Practices with board-certified allergists or pulmonologists, those employing certified asthma educators, and those demonstrating a commitment to patient education and self-management strategies should be prioritized. The use of evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those published by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP), is a key indicator of quality care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and track patient outcomes, such as asthma control test scores and hospitalization rates, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, potentially improving access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine services for asthma patients, including virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and remote monitoring of lung function, should be recognized. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, can further enhance asthma management by enabling proactive interventions and preventing exacerbations.

Mental health is often overlooked in asthma management, yet it plays a significant role in patient outcomes. Asthma can be associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, which can worsen asthma symptoms and adherence to treatment plans. The Asthma Score analysis must assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, provide counseling services, or offer referrals to mental health specialists are demonstrating a comprehensive approach to asthma care.

Primary care availability in Kenna is a crucial aspect of the Asthma Score. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with asthma, and they play a vital role in diagnosis, initial treatment, and ongoing management. The analysis should evaluate the number of PCPs practicing in Kenna and the surrounding areas, their availability to accept new patients, and their experience in managing asthma. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, should also be considered. A strong primary care infrastructure is essential for ensuring that patients with asthma receive timely and appropriate care.

The Asthma Score analysis also needs to consider the availability of asthma education resources. Patient education is a cornerstone of effective asthma management. Patients who are well-informed about their condition, triggers, and medications are better equipped to manage their asthma and prevent exacerbations. The analysis should assess the availability of asthma education programs, both in-person and online, and the presence of certified asthma educators within the community. These educators can provide patients with personalized instruction on asthma management techniques, such as proper inhaler use and trigger avoidance strategies.

The overall Asthma Score for ZIP Code 25248, and specifically Kenna, will be a composite of these factors. It will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in providing asthma care, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This assessment will provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients, enabling them to make informed decisions and advocate for better asthma care in the community. This includes the need for increased physician recruitment, the expansion of telemedicine services, the integration of mental health resources, and the promotion of patient education.

Understanding the healthcare landscape within a specific ZIP Code, such as 25248, is a complex undertaking. However, it is essential for improving the health and well-being of residents, especially those with chronic conditions like asthma. The Asthma Score analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data within ZIP Code 25248 and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas with limited access to care. Explore the CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kenna and surrounding areas.