25314, Charleston, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25314, Charleston, West Virginia is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.65 percent of the residents in 25314 has some form of health insurance. 37.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.04 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 25314 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,091 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25314. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,733 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,899 health care providers accessible to residents in 25314, Charleston, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory ailment, disproportionately affects certain populations. This analysis delves into the quality of asthma care within ZIP code 25314, encompassing parts of Charleston, West Virginia, and assesses primary care availability. The goal is to understand the landscape of care, including physician accessibility, innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' analysis.

The 'Asthma Score' will be determined by assessing several key factors. First, physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per patient, generally translates to better access and potentially more personalized care. Second, the adoption of telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve care accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically remote areas. Third, the integration of mental health resources is crucial. Asthma and mental health often have a bidirectional relationship; anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms, and conversely, managing asthma can improve mental well-being. Finally, the presence of standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in asthma management through innovative approaches, patient education, and positive outcomes, will be evaluated.

ZIP code 25314, like many areas, likely faces challenges in physician access. Charleston, while a city, has pockets of underserved populations, and the distribution of primary care physicians may not be uniform. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the American Medical Association, and local hospital systems will be used to determine the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas that serve the population. This data will be compared to the estimated population of 25314 to arrive at a ratio. A low ratio could indicate longer wait times for appointments and potentially less comprehensive care.

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to improve asthma care in 25314. Its adoption, however, varies. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of peak flow meters, and online educational resources, are likely to score higher. This is especially important for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telehealth platforms, the training of physicians in telehealth technologies, and patient access to reliable internet connectivity are all critical factors.

Mental health integration is a crucial component of asthma management. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive higher marks. This holistic approach to care recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, or strong collaborative relationships with mental health providers in the community, will be highly valued.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of the 'Asthma Score'. These practices demonstrate excellence in asthma care. They might employ innovative approaches like asthma action plans, patient education programs, and robust patient support systems. They may also track patient outcomes, such as hospital readmission rates and emergency room visits, to demonstrate the effectiveness of their care. Practices that actively participate in asthma research or quality improvement initiatives would also be viewed favorably. This could include practices that utilize electronic health records effectively to track patient progress and tailor treatment plans.

The 'Asthma Score' will be a composite of these factors. A practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong telemedicine presence, robust mental health integration, and a reputation for excellence would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, no telemedicine options, and no mental health integration would receive a lower score. The score will not be a definitive judgment but rather a comparative assessment to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The analysis will consider the specific healthcare providers in 25314, including Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), and other local hospitals and clinics. The review will include the availability of pulmonologists, allergists, and primary care physicians. The analysis will also consider the accessibility of these physicians, including appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of evening and weekend appointments.

The availability of resources, such as support groups, educational materials, and patient advocacy organizations, will also be considered. These resources can empower patients to manage their asthma effectively. The presence of certified asthma educators within practices or the availability of asthma education programs will be viewed positively.

The overall 'Asthma Score' for 25314 will be a reflection of the collective efforts of the healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and the adoption of innovative practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of asthma care in the area, highlighting areas of strength and areas that need improvement. The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma in Charleston.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer an intuitive and engaging way to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.