25704, Huntington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25704, Huntington, West Virginia is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.47 percent of the residents in 25704 has some form of health insurance. 53.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.55 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 25704 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,403 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25704. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,144 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,343 health care providers accessible to residents in 25704, Huntington, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Huntington, WV (ZIP Code 25704)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within Huntington, West Virginia, specifically within the 25704 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the resources dedicated to asthma management, and explore the integration of modern healthcare practices like telemedicine and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, offering insights into the quality of care available to asthma patients in this specific geographical area.

A crucial element in assessing asthma care is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potentially, delayed treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater availability of primary care physicians, which is the first line of defense in asthma management. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 25704 ZIP code is essential. Public health data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, along with data from professional organizations like the American Medical Association, can provide this crucial information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis must delve into the specific practices within the area. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management is paramount. These practices often have dedicated asthma educators, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and utilize evidence-based treatment protocols. Examining patient reviews, consulting with local advocacy groups, and reviewing publicly available information about the practices’ asthma-specific programs are vital steps in this assessment. The availability of after-hours care and emergency services is also a critical factor.

The integration of telemedicine is another key area of evaluation. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers significant advantages for asthma patients. It can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine checkups and medication management. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine by primary care practices in 25704, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function), is a critical component of the asthma score.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common comorbidities in asthma patients. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an essential aspect of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis must investigate the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups and educational programs. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their asthma patients will receive a higher score.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to consider the availability of asthma education programs. Patient education is critical for effective asthma management. These programs should cover topics such as proper inhaler technique, trigger avoidance, and the development of personalized asthma action plans. Examining the availability of such programs within the practices in 25704, as well as their accessibility and comprehensiveness, is an important element in determining the asthma score.

The overall “Asthma Score” for doctors in ZIP Code 25704 will be a composite score, reflecting the various factors discussed. This score will be based on a weighted system, with each factor contributing to the final assessment. The weighting of each factor should reflect its importance in delivering high-quality asthma care. For example, physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support might carry a higher weight than the availability of after-hours care.

Primary care availability in Huntington, as a whole, also plays a significant role in the overall asthma care landscape. While the focus is on the 25704 ZIP code, the broader availability of primary care physicians within the city impacts the accessibility of care for all residents, including those with asthma. The analysis should consider the distribution of primary care practices throughout Huntington, the ease of access to these practices, and the availability of transportation options for patients.

The assessment of primary care availability should also include an examination of the types of insurance accepted by the practices. The affordability of healthcare is a significant barrier to access for many individuals, and the acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, is an important factor in determining the overall accessibility of care.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 25704 and primary care availability in Huntington requires a comprehensive investigation. This involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources and asthma education programs. The final score should reflect a balanced assessment of these factors, providing a clear picture of the quality of asthma care available in the area.

Do you want to visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care practices and specialist availability, within Huntington, WV? CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of this data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care. Explore the power of geospatial analysis to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility.