25701, Huntington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25701, Huntington, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.27 percent of the residents in 25701 has some form of health insurance. 48.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.28 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 25701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,035 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25701. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,702 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,279 health care providers accessible to residents in 25701, Huntington, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, particularly those with limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis focuses on assessing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP Code 25701, encompassing Huntington, West Virginia, and its surrounding areas. We will evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs), their patient loads, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive 'Asthma Score' analysis. This score reflects the overall accessibility and quality of asthma care available to residents.

The foundation of asthma management rests upon accessible and responsive primary care. In Huntington, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A lower ratio, indicating fewer patients per PCP, generally translates to more individualized attention and potentially better disease management. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. The skill and experience of the physicians, their understanding of asthma management protocols, and their willingness to engage in patient education are equally important. We must consider the number of PCPs actively accepting new patients within the area. A scarcity of available PCPs can significantly hinder access to care, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment plans.

Standout practices within the Huntington area are identified based on their commitment to asthma care. These practices often demonstrate a proactive approach, including regular asthma education sessions for patients and their families. They may also utilize standardized asthma action plans, crucial for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Furthermore, practices that integrate respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators into their care teams often achieve superior patient outcomes. These specialists offer tailored guidance on medication usage, environmental control measures, and symptom management techniques.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in expanding healthcare access, especially in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption rate among PCPs in Huntington is a key metric in our assessment. Practices embracing telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills, thereby reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who may experience exacerbations requiring prompt intervention. The availability of telemedicine can also improve medication adherence and reduce hospital readmissions. The quality of telemedicine platforms, including their ease of use and integration with electronic health records, will also be considered.

Asthma and mental health are often intertwined. Chronic respiratory conditions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration facilitates early identification and treatment of mental health issues, improving overall patient well-being and asthma control. The availability of these resources will be factored into our Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score will be a composite measure, incorporating the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of specialized asthma care (e.g., respiratory therapists), the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score will be scaled to reflect the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care within ZIP Code 25701. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for asthma patients, while a lower score signals potential areas for improvement.

The analysis will involve data collection from various sources. This includes publicly available information, such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine database, insurance provider directories, and practice websites. Patient reviews and testimonials will also be examined to gauge patient satisfaction and perceptions of care quality. The data will be analyzed to identify trends, disparities, and best practices within the Huntington area.

The final Asthma Score will be presented along with recommendations for improving asthma care within ZIP Code 25701. These recommendations may include strategies to increase the number of PCPs accepting new patients, encourage telemedicine adoption, and promote the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in their efforts to improve the lives of asthma patients.

The availability of primary care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma, is a critical indicator of a community's health. A thorough understanding of the resources available, the quality of care provided, and the integration of mental health services is essential for effective disease management. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the current state of asthma care in Huntington and for guiding future improvements.

The assessment of asthma care in Huntington, WV, requires a detailed examination of the healthcare landscape, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The final Asthma Score will reflect the overall quality and accessibility of care, providing a valuable resource for patients, providers, and policymakers. This comprehensive analysis will provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of asthma care within ZIP Code 25701, offering a roadmap for improvements.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Huntington, including physician locations, access to resources, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities can provide a powerful visual understanding of the healthcare environment, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within the community.