25703, Huntington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25703, Huntington, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.85 percent of the residents in 25703 has some form of health insurance. 35.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.54 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 25703 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 690 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25703. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 294 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,279 health care providers accessible to residents in 25703, Huntington, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Huntington, WV (ZIP Code 25703)

Analyzing asthma care within Huntington, West Virginia (ZIP code 25703) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an "Asthma Score" evaluation. This score, while not a definitive metric, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape of asthma care within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. In Huntington, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. While precise physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, publicly available data and local healthcare reports can offer insights. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care – all detrimental to asthma control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient outcomes. Investigating the distribution of PCPs within the 25703 ZIP code, and their acceptance of new patients, is crucial.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves assessing the experience of PCPs in managing asthma, their adherence to established clinical guidelines (such as those from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program), and their ability to provide comprehensive asthma education to patients. Reviews from patients, if available, can offer valuable perspectives on the doctor-patient relationship, communication skills, and the effectiveness of treatment plans. Furthermore, the availability of on-site services, such as pulmonary function testing, can streamline the diagnostic and monitoring process, enhancing patient convenience and care quality.

Several primary care practices in Huntington may stand out for their commitment to asthma care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a detailed investigation. Factors to consider include the presence of dedicated asthma educators or respiratory therapists, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data tracking and care coordination, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices actively promoting asthma self-management plans, offering patient education materials, and providing readily accessible resources are likely to score higher in this assessment. Investigating the specific protocols and training of nurses and support staff within each practice is also essential.

Telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to enhance asthma care, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists or geographical barriers. The adoption of telemedicine technologies, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters connected to smartphones), and online patient portals, can improve asthma control by facilitating more frequent check-ins, enabling proactive management, and reducing the need for in-person visits. Assessing the extent to which practices in 25703 utilize telemedicine, the types of services offered, and the patient experience with these technologies is a crucial component of this analysis.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized, and this is particularly relevant in asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is vital. This includes the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the screening of patients for mental health conditions. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients are likely to demonstrate improved patient outcomes and a more holistic approach to care.

To arrive at an "Asthma Score" for the 25703 ZIP code, each of the above factors would be weighted and scored. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor in contributing to effective asthma management. For instance, primary care availability and quality might receive a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, although both are important. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. This score would be dynamic, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

Specific data sources are critical for this analysis. These include publicly available databases from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and the American Medical Association. Local hospital websites, practice websites, and patient review platforms can provide additional insights. However, it is crucial to recognize that data availability and accuracy may vary.

The final "Asthma Score" for 25703 would be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It could inform patient choices, guide resource allocation, and highlight areas for improvement in asthma care. Regular reassessment of the score, coupled with ongoing monitoring of healthcare trends, is essential to maintain its relevance and effectiveness. It would also be useful for identifying gaps in care and developing targeted interventions to improve asthma outcomes.

In conclusion, the assessment of asthma care in Huntington, WV (25703) is a complex undertaking. It requires a careful examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. By synthesizing this information, a comprehensive "Asthma Score" can be developed, providing a valuable snapshot of the current state of asthma care in the area.

To visualize this data and gain deeper insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient outcomes, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the "Asthma Score" and its underlying components, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in asthma care within Huntington, WV.