25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.24 percent of the residents in 25264 has some form of health insurance. 42.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.91 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 25264 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25264. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 177 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 328 health care providers accessible to residents in 25264, Mount Alto, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25264 & Mount Alto Primary Care

Analyzing the asthma care landscape in ZIP Code 25264, which encompasses the community of Mount Alto, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not only the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) but also the specific resources and practices that contribute to effective asthma management. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma score assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Mount Alto and the surrounding areas is a critical starting point. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing current data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can significantly impact asthma care. Patients might face longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, potentially leading to improved asthma control and reduced hospitalizations.

Assessing the quality of primary care necessitates looking beyond simple numbers. We need to identify practices within ZIP Code 25264 that demonstrate a commitment to exemplary asthma management. This includes evaluating their adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment and control, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, provide individualized asthma action plans, and regularly monitor patients' asthma control using standardized questionnaires would score higher. Furthermore, practices that collaborate effectively with pulmonologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care would be considered standout performers.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The geographical challenges inherent in rural areas like Mount Alto can make accessing in-person healthcare difficult. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication management, and asthma education sessions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. This is particularly relevant for asthma management, as regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans are often necessary.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma care, yet they play a significant role in patient outcomes. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care protocols would be considered highly effective. This could involve having on-site mental health professionals, offering referrals to therapists and counselors, or incorporating mental health screenings into routine appointments. The availability of such resources is a critical indicator of a practice's commitment to holistic patient care.

Evaluating specific practices requires a nuanced approach. We need to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, evidence-based treatment, and proactive asthma management. This includes examining their patient satisfaction scores, the availability of after-hours care, and their responsiveness to patient inquiries. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their asthma effectively, would receive a higher score. This also means looking at the availability of patient education materials, such as asthma action plans, inhaler technique demonstrations, and information about triggers and avoidance strategies.

The evaluation process should also consider the accessibility of pharmacies and other healthcare facilities within the ZIP Code. Easy access to medication refills, nebulizers, and other asthma-related supplies is essential for effective asthma management. Practices located near pharmacies and other healthcare providers would be considered more accessible and, therefore, contribute to a higher overall asthma score.

Furthermore, the presence of community resources that support asthma patients should be considered. This could include support groups, educational programs offered by local health organizations, and access to affordable medications. Practices that collaborate with community organizations to provide these resources would be seen as contributing to a more comprehensive and supportive asthma care environment.

The analysis of asthma care in ZIP Code 25264 must also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact patient outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can all exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult for patients to manage their condition. Practices that are aware of these challenges and actively work to address them, such as by providing referrals to social services or offering assistance with medication costs, would be considered more effective.

In conclusion, assessing the asthma score for doctors in ZIP Code 25264 and primary care availability in Mount Alto requires a comprehensive evaluation. This analysis should consider physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the accessibility of pharmacies, and the presence of community support programs. By examining these factors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the asthma care landscape in Mount Alto and identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mount Alto and surrounding areas, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore interactive maps.