25646, Stollings, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25646, Stollings, West Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.06 percent of the residents in 25646 has some form of health insurance. 71.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.08 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 25646 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 372 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25646. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 570 health care providers accessible to residents in 25646, Stollings, West Virginia.

Analyzing asthma care within ZIP code 25646, specifically Stollings, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We must evaluate not only the direct availability of physicians but also the broader healthcare infrastructure, including telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall practice quality. This analysis considers these elements to formulate an "Asthma Score" assessment, providing insights for residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of asthma care rests on accessible primary care physicians. In Stollings, assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. This ratio indicates the number of patients each physician is responsible for, directly impacting appointment availability and the time each patient receives. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying critical asthma management. Conversely, a low ratio suggests better access to care, facilitating proactive asthma control. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with information from local healthcare networks, can help determine this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. We must identify "standout practices" – those demonstrating excellence in asthma management. This requires examining several key indicators. Firstly, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for asthma diagnosis and treatment is essential. Does the practice adhere to the latest recommendations from organizations like the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP)? Secondly, patient outcomes are a critical metric. Analyzing patient data, such as emergency room visits related to asthma exacerbations and hospital readmission rates, provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of care. Practices with lower rates of these adverse events likely demonstrate superior asthma management. Finally, patient satisfaction surveys offer a crucial perspective. Understanding how patients perceive their care, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the clarity of communication from physicians, and the overall quality of their experience, provides a holistic view of practice performance.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Stollings. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and medication adjustments. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in the area is a significant factor in our Asthma Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer greater convenience and potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that can transmit data to physicians, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in asthma care.

Mental health plays a significant, often overlooked, role in asthma management. Asthma, as a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety and depression, which in turn can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to therapists or counselors demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. The presence of mental health support can help patients better manage their asthma and improve their overall quality of life.

To create a comprehensive Asthma Score, we must consider the integration of all these factors. We will use a weighted scoring system, assigning points to each element. For example, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio might receive a high score, while a practice with limited telemedicine adoption might receive a lower score. Patient outcome data and patient satisfaction surveys will be weighted heavily, as they directly reflect the quality of care. The availability of mental health resources will also contribute significantly to the overall score. This composite score will provide a nuanced assessment of asthma care availability and quality within ZIP code 25646.

The analysis will also delve into specific practice characteristics. We will identify practices that excel in particular areas, such as patient education, medication management, or the use of specific asthma control strategies. For example, practices that offer comprehensive asthma education programs, including training on inhaler techniques and environmental control measures, would be recognized for their commitment to patient empowerment. Practices that utilize personalized asthma action plans, tailored to each patient's individual needs and triggers, would also receive high marks.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the accessibility of specialty care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of asthma management, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is essential for patients with complex or poorly controlled asthma. The proximity of specialist providers and the ease of referral processes will be factored into the overall assessment.

The final Asthma Score will provide a valuable resource for residents of Stollings. It will empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, enabling them to choose practices that best meet their needs. It will also provide valuable feedback to healthcare providers, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvements can be made. This data-driven approach will contribute to a more robust and patient-centered asthma care system within the community.

The analysis will be dynamic, updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices and the evolving needs of the community. This ongoing assessment will ensure that the Asthma Score remains a relevant and useful tool for improving asthma care in Stollings.

For a visual representation of the data, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and the location of mental health resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually display the results of this analysis, providing a powerful tool for understanding the landscape of asthma care in ZIP code 25646. Visit CartoChrome to visualize the data and gain further insights.