25688, North Matewan, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25688, North Matewan, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.03 percent of the residents in 25688 has some form of health insurance. 77.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.93 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 25688 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 57 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25688. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 203 health care providers accessible to residents in 25688, North Matewan, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: North Matewan, WV (ZIP Code 25688)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for asthma management in North Matewan, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25688) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components in determining an "Asthma Score" for the region. This score, though not a formal metric, will reflect the overall ease and quality of asthma care available to residents.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible primary care. In North Matewan, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A limited number of physicians within the immediate ZIP code, coupled with the often-isolated nature of rural communities, likely creates challenges. Residents may need to travel considerable distances to access care, potentially impacting adherence to treatment plans and increasing the likelihood of asthma exacerbations. This geographical barrier automatically lowers the initial "Asthma Score."

Physician-to-patient ratios offer a quantifiable measure of access. National averages often don't reflect the realities of rural areas. A high patient-to-physician ratio, meaning a larger number of patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, shorter consultation periods, and a reduced ability for physicians to provide comprehensive care. This situation can be particularly detrimental for asthma patients, who require regular monitoring and prompt intervention when symptoms worsen. The "Asthma Score" suffers further if the ratio is unfavorable.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Some practices within or near 25688 may demonstrate a commitment to asthma care. This could involve specialized asthma clinics, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and proactive patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with self-management tools and resources, contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." Conversely, practices lacking these elements will contribute negatively.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in bridging geographical gaps. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, offers a lifeline for patients in remote areas. Its presence can significantly improve the "Asthma Score." Telemedicine allows for convenient follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that embrace telemedicine are therefore likely to score higher. The availability of reliable internet access, however, is a crucial prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are integral to asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The presence of mental health services within the community, or readily accessible referrals to such services, is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma management protocols contribute to a higher "Asthma Score." The lack of such resources, or poor coordination between primary care and mental health providers, lowers the score.

Evaluating the overall "Asthma Score" for North Matewan (25688) requires a holistic assessment. The score will likely be lower than in more urbanized areas due to the inherent challenges of rural healthcare. However, the presence of dedicated practices, telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources can mitigate these challenges. The score reflects not only the availability of medical care but also the quality of that care and the support systems available to patients.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for North Matewan, WV (25688) is likely impacted by factors common to rural settings. While challenges exist, the presence of dedicated practices, telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources can improve the score. A detailed map of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health providers, would be an invaluable tool for both patients and healthcare providers.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in North Matewan, and to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the "Asthma Score," consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven maps that can reveal critical insights into healthcare access and resource distribution, empowering both patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.