25286, Walton, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25286, Walton, West Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.76 percent of the residents in 25286 has some form of health insurance. 57.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.00 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 25286 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 264 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25286. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 295 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 37 health care providers accessible to residents in 25286, Walton, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25286 and Primary Care Availability in Walton, WV

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 25286, encompassing the town of Walton, West Virginia, and assesses the broader primary care landscape in Walton. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors crucial to asthma management, including physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. This assessment will inform residents and healthcare stakeholders about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing asthma needs.

The foundation of asthma management lies in accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). In Walton, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. This analysis will examine the current PCP count within the ZIP Code and assess the estimated patient population to derive a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the US Census Bureau will be utilized to inform this calculation. This ratio is a fundamental component of the Asthma Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the qualifications and experience of the available physicians are paramount. The Asthma Score will evaluate the board certifications of the PCPs in 25286, with a focus on whether they are board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, as these specializations are typically better equipped to manage chronic conditions like asthma. The analysis will also investigate whether any of the PCPs have additional training or certifications related to pulmonology or allergy, which would significantly enhance their ability to provide specialized asthma care. This level of expertise directly impacts the quality of care available within the community.

The Asthma Score will also incorporate an assessment of the practices themselves. The analysis will investigate the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) within the practices. EHRs facilitate better care coordination, medication management, and access to patient histories, all crucial elements in effective asthma management. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as spirometry testing, a standard tool for assessing lung function, will be a key factor in the score. Practices with these capabilities can provide more comprehensive and timely care.

The role of telemedicine in asthma management is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Walton. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. The Asthma Score will assess the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations, including virtual check-ups, medication refills, and remote monitoring capabilities. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care and help patients better manage their condition.

Mental health is intrinsically linked to asthma management. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce treatment adherence. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the community and the extent to which local PCPs integrate mental health screening and support into their practice. The presence of on-site mental health professionals or partnerships with local mental health providers will be a significant factor in the score.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP Code is crucial. This analysis will look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care through specific initiatives. This includes practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, provide patient education materials, and have established asthma action plans for their patients. These practices are models of best practices and contribute significantly to improving asthma outcomes in the community.

The overall Asthma Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, physician qualifications, practice characteristics (including EHR adoption and on-site diagnostic capabilities), telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability will all contribute to the final score. This score will provide a comprehensive picture of the asthma care landscape in 25286 and Walton.

The analysis will also consider the broader context of primary care availability in Walton. This involves assessing the geographic distribution of practices, the hours of operation, and the availability of after-hours or weekend care. The analysis will also consider the insurance acceptance policies of the practices, ensuring that patients with various insurance plans have access to care. This holistic view of primary care is crucial for understanding the overall accessibility of asthma care.

The final Asthma Score will be presented in a clear and concise format, along with a summary of the key findings and recommendations. This information will be valuable for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve asthma care in Walton. It will highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis will provide a detailed overview of the asthma care landscape in ZIP Code 25286 and Walton, WV. To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice locations, and the location of mental health resources, we recommend exploring interactive maps powered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and the population they serve.