25644, Sarah Ann, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25644, Sarah Ann, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.24 percent of the residents in 25644 has some form of health insurance. 61.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.73 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 25644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 143 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25644. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 98 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 670 health care providers accessible to residents in 25644, Sarah Ann, West Virginia.

This analysis evaluates the quality of asthma care and primary care access within ZIP code 25644, focusing specifically on Sarah Ann, West Virginia. We will assess the availability of physicians, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to patients, including telemedicine and mental health support. This analysis is framed as an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Sarah Ann and the surrounding areas within 25644 is a critical starting point. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to limited access to primary care providers (PCPs). A low physician-to-patient ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship, all of which can negatively impact asthma management. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also crucial. Asthma management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the absence of readily accessible specialists can hinder effective care.

Identifying standout practices within the area is key to understanding the quality of care. Practices that prioritize asthma management often incorporate evidence-based guidelines, provide patient education, and utilize asthma action plans. These practices are more likely to demonstrate improved patient outcomes. Key indicators of quality include the frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations, the use of appropriate medications, and patient satisfaction scores. Examining the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is also important. EHRs facilitate better care coordination, medication management, and communication between providers.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care in rural areas like Sarah Ann. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine services for asthma management, including virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring, can greatly enhance patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires adequate internet access, patient digital literacy, and appropriate reimbursement models.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, within the community or through referrals from primary care providers is essential. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with primary care physicians, can improve the overall well-being of patients with asthma. The presence of support groups and educational programs focused on managing both asthma and mental health issues further strengthens the support system for patients.

Specific data regarding physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, and practice-specific metrics is difficult to ascertain without direct access to local healthcare data. However, we can make some generalized observations based on the typical challenges faced by rural communities. It is likely that the physician-to-patient ratio in 25644 is lower than the national average, potentially leading to longer wait times and limited access to specialists. The presence of standout practices, those that actively implement asthma management guidelines and prioritize patient education, is crucial for mitigating these challenges.

Telemedicine adoption is likely to be a key factor in improving access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, are better positioned to serve patients in this rural area. The availability of mental health resources is also a critical consideration. The presence of mental health professionals within the community or readily available referral pathways is essential for addressing the psychological impact of asthma.

To improve the "Asthma Score" in Sarah Ann, several key areas require attention. First, efforts should be made to recruit and retain primary care physicians and specialists. Incentivizing healthcare professionals to practice in rural areas, such as loan repayment programs and enhanced compensation packages, can help address the physician shortage. Second, practices should be encouraged to adopt evidence-based asthma management guidelines and utilize EHRs to improve care coordination. Third, telemedicine adoption should be promoted through investments in infrastructure, patient education, and reimbursement models. Finally, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices is essential for addressing the holistic needs of patients with asthma.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of asthma care and primary care access in Sarah Ann. Further investigation, including data collection and on-site assessments, is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities within the community. The “Asthma Score” will be improved by addressing physician availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health resource access.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Sarah Ann, including physician locations, practice locations, and access to resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the area, highlighting areas with limited access to care and identifying potential opportunities for improvement.