25567, Sumerco, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25567, Sumerco, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.72 percent of the residents in 25567 has some form of health insurance. 34.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.69 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 25567 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 212 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25567. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 204 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,259 health care providers accessible to residents in 25567, Sumerco, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Sumerco, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25567)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, within the Sumerco, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25567) area requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an "Asthma Score" assessment.

The foundation of asthma care rests upon accessible primary care. In Sumerco, a critical assessment involves identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code or serving its residents. This number is then compared to the population of 25567 to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, presents a significant challenge. Residents may face longer wait times for appointments, limited access to preventative care, and difficulty in establishing a consistent relationship with a physician who understands their individual medical history and asthma triggers.

Furthermore, the geographical distribution of these PCPs is essential. Are they clustered in one area, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? Are transportation options readily available for residents to access these practices? These factors directly impact the accessibility of care, especially for individuals with asthma who may experience acute exacerbations and require prompt medical attention.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care offered by existing PCPs. This includes assessing their adherence to national asthma guidelines, their use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and their patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively engage in asthma education, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, and offer regular follow-up appointments for asthma management would receive higher marks. Furthermore, the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, within a reasonable distance is crucial. The presence of these specialists can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with more severe or complex asthma cases.

Telemedicine adoption plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Sumerco. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor patients' symptoms, and provide timely advice can significantly improve asthma management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices (like peak flow meters with digital connectivity), and secure messaging platforms, are better equipped to provide accessible and convenient care. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their physicians.

The crucial connection between asthma and mental health cannot be overlooked. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is essential. Practices that screen for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of mental health support can help patients manage the psychological impact of asthma, improve adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, enhance their overall well-being.

Synthesizing these factors, an "Asthma Score" can be assigned. This score, ranging from poor to excellent, would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of asthma care within the 25567 ZIP code. The score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed: physician-to-patient ratio, geographical distribution of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

A "poor" score would indicate a severe shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialized care, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health resources. An "excellent" score would reflect a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, geographically accessible practices, adherence to national guidelines, comprehensive asthma education, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health support.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthy food and housing can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder access to care. The analysis would consider these factors to provide a more complete picture of the challenges faced by individuals with asthma in Sumerco.

The analysis also requires the inclusion of data regarding the availability of asthma medications, including both maintenance and rescue inhalers. Are pharmacies readily accessible within the ZIP code? Are there programs available to help patients afford their medications? The availability of medications is a critical component of effective asthma management.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of environmental factors that can trigger asthma symptoms. Are there high levels of air pollution or allergens in the area? Are there programs in place to address these environmental concerns? Environmental factors can significantly impact asthma control, and addressing these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Finally, the analysis would also consider the availability of asthma education resources. Are there educational programs available for patients and their families? Are there resources available to help patients understand their asthma triggers and how to manage their symptoms? Asthma education is a critical component of effective asthma management.

By considering all of these factors, a comprehensive "Asthma Score" can be developed. This score would provide a valuable tool for assessing the quality of asthma care in Sumerco and identifying areas for improvement. The score can be used to advocate for increased resources, improve access to care, and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of individuals with asthma in the 25567 ZIP code.

This analysis, while providing a general overview, can be significantly enhanced with detailed mapping and spatial analysis. CartoChrome Maps offers a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources, the accessibility of care, and the impact of environmental factors. CartoChrome Maps can reveal patterns and insights that would be difficult to discern through traditional methods.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Sumerco and gain deeper insights into asthma care accessibility? Explore the power of CartoChrome Maps and unlock a new level of understanding. Contact us today to learn more.**