25524, Harts, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25524, Harts, West Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.15 percent of the residents in 25524 has some form of health insurance. 67.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.61 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 25524 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 721 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25524. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 398 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 188 health care providers accessible to residents in 25524, Harts, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Harts, WV (ZIP Code 25524)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality in Harts, West Virginia (ZIP code 25524) requires a nuanced approach, especially when focusing on asthma management. This analysis, framed as an "Asthma Score," considers several key factors impacting patient care, from physician availability to mental health support, culminating in a comprehensive overview. The goal is to assess the current state of asthma care within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any effective healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Harts, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments for asthma patients. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the U.S. Census Bureau would be essential to accurately calculate this ratio for ZIP code 25524. This ratio forms a significant component of our Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Evaluating the practices within Harts involves assessing their adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This includes examining the frequency of spirometry testing, the provision of asthma action plans, and the patient education offered regarding medication use and environmental triggers. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these standards would receive higher marks within the Asthma Score. This analysis needs to be specific, looking at individual practice protocols.

Telemedicine adoption presents a potential avenue for improving asthma care access in rural areas like Harts. Telehealth can facilitate virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for asthma management would receive a favorable rating. The Asthma Score needs to reflect which practices offer telemedicine options and the types of services they provide. This includes the availability of remote monitoring devices and the integration of telehealth into their overall care plans.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Chronic respiratory conditions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Asthma Score must evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the community and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site counseling, referrals to mental health specialists, and screening for mental health conditions. The presence of support groups or community programs addressing both asthma and mental health would be highly valued.

The identification of "standout practices" within Harts is crucial. These practices would be those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in asthma care. This could involve adopting innovative technologies, providing comprehensive patient education, achieving positive patient outcomes, and actively participating in community outreach programs. Identifying and highlighting these practices serves as a model for others and provides patients with valuable information when choosing a primary care provider. The Asthma Score should clearly identify these practices and their specific strengths.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score needs to consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists and allergists is essential for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable driving distance of Harts would positively impact the score. The analysis should detail the location and availability of these specialists, considering factors like appointment wait times and insurance acceptance.

Environmental factors also play a role in asthma management. Harts, like any location, has its own unique environmental characteristics. The Asthma Score should consider the presence of known asthma triggers, such as air quality issues, pollen counts, and the prevalence of mold or other allergens. Access to resources that educate patients about these environmental factors and provide guidance on mitigating their impact would be a positive factor in the score.

The affordability of healthcare is another critical consideration. The Asthma Score should factor in the cost of medications, doctor visits, and other asthma-related expenses. This includes assessing the availability of financial assistance programs, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of generic medications. The goal is to ensure that asthma care is accessible to all residents of Harts, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Finally, the Asthma Score should be dynamic, not static. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in healthcare availability, practice protocols, and community resources. This includes tracking the adoption of new technologies, the introduction of new asthma medications, and changes in insurance coverage. The score should be a living document, constantly evolving to provide the most accurate and up-to-date assessment of asthma care in Harts.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for Harts (ZIP code 25524) requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist availability, environmental factors, and affordability, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This detailed analysis provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve asthma care in this rural community.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape of Harts and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and environmental data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the complex factors impacting asthma care and making informed decisions about your healthcare.