25438, Ranson, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25438, Ranson, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.77 percent of the residents in 25438 has some form of health insurance. 43.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.84 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 25438 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,825 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25438. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,013 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,312 health care providers accessible to residents in 25438, Ranson, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25438 and Primary Care in Ranson, WV

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 25438, encompassing Ranson, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. We must assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), a crucial first point of contact for asthma management, and then delve into the quality and accessibility of that care. This analysis will also consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the overall asthma score.

Ranson, a relatively small town, presents both opportunities and challenges in healthcare delivery. A primary concern is the potential for limited access to care, especially for specialized services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer asthma control. Data on this ratio, ideally specific to primary care and pulmonology within the ZIP code, is essential for a comprehensive assessment. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can offer insights into these ratios, although the granularity of the data may vary.

Identifying standout practices is vital. Practices demonstrating exemplary asthma management often incorporate evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and proactive follow-up protocols. These practices may employ certified asthma educators, utilize spirometry testing to assess lung function, and offer personalized asthma action plans. Researching local healthcare providers and reviewing patient testimonials can help identify these high-performing practices. Furthermore, examining the types of insurance accepted by each practice is essential, as this can significantly impact access for different patient populations.

Telemedicine, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a valuable tool for asthma management. Telehealth appointments can facilitate routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and asthma education, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The degree of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers and specialists in 25438 is a key indicator of accessibility. Investigating which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered via telehealth (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use of their telehealth platforms is crucial.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can trigger anxiety and depression, and conversely, mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is an essential factor in the asthma score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Assessing whether primary care practices integrate mental health screening and referral services is also important. Partnerships between primary care providers and mental health professionals can create a more holistic and patient-centered approach to asthma management.

The quality of asthma care is also influenced by the presence of specialists. Access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is critical for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The distance to the nearest specialist, wait times for appointments, and the availability of specialized testing and treatment options all contribute to the overall asthma score. The presence of a local hospital with an emergency department equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is also a critical factor.

Furthermore, analyzing the demographics of the population within 25438 is crucial. Certain populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, may face disproportionate challenges in accessing quality asthma care. Understanding the prevalence of asthma within these subgroups and identifying any disparities in care is essential for a fair assessment.

The assessment of primary care availability in Ranson specifically requires focusing on the practices located within the town itself, or those readily accessible to its residents. The same metrics used for the ZIP code analysis, such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, should be applied to the primary care practices serving Ranson. Furthermore, the availability of after-hours care and emergency services is a critical consideration for patients experiencing asthma exacerbations.

A comprehensive asthma score for 25438 and Ranson requires gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, and patient feedback. The resulting score should reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care within the community. This score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare infrastructure, policy, and best practices.

The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care in the area, enabling healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to make informed decisions. This includes identifying areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The insights gained from this analysis can be further enhanced by visualizing the data using geographic information systems (GIS) mapping tools. These tools can help to identify areas with limited access to care, visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, and highlight potential disparities in care.

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in 25438, including physician locations, practice details, and other relevant data points, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.