25705, Huntington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25705, Huntington, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.60 percent of the residents in 25705 has some form of health insurance. 40.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.93 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 25705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25705. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,488 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,292 health care providers accessible to residents in 25705, Huntington, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Huntington, WV (ZIP Code 25705)

Analyzing the quality of asthma care within Huntington, West Virginia's 25705 ZIP code requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess not only the availability and expertise of physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, including access to mental health support and the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, considering these factors to offer a comprehensive view of the care landscape.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in physician availability. In Huntington, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a known challenge in West Virginia. This scarcity directly impacts asthma patients, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for PCPs, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying timely interventions and exacerbating asthma symptoms. This is a significant negative factor in our Asthma Score.

Specialist access is another crucial element. Pulmonologists and allergists are essential for managing moderate to severe asthma cases. The concentration of these specialists within the 25705 ZIP code and the surrounding area is a key indicator of care quality. Geographic proximity to these specialists, along with their availability and the breadth of their expertise, is a critical component of the Asthma Score. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or centers within the area would significantly enhance the score.

Beyond physician availability, the quality of care is paramount. We need to evaluate the practices and hospitals within the 25705 ZIP code for their commitment to asthma management. This includes assessing their adherence to national guidelines for asthma treatment, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Practices that actively utilize standardized asthma action plans, provide patient education on proper inhaler technique, and regularly monitor patients' lung function would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data sharing and care coordination is a positive indicator.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in asthma management, particularly in rural areas like Huntington. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide ongoing support can significantly improve access to care and patient outcomes. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine for asthma follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services, especially for patients with limited mobility or transportation challenges, is a crucial element in the Asthma Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but their importance cannot be overstated. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, including counseling and therapy, within the 25705 ZIP code is a crucial factor. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their asthma care protocols would receive a higher score. Collaboration between pulmonologists, allergists, and mental health professionals is a strong indicator of a well-integrated care system.

Specific practices within the 25705 ZIP code should be examined for their performance. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management is a key objective. This requires gathering data on patient outcomes, such as asthma exacerbation rates, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Practices with lower rates of these adverse events would receive higher scores. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The presence of community resources, such as asthma support groups and educational programs, also contributes to the overall Asthma Score. These resources provide patients with valuable information, support, and a sense of community. The availability of these resources, along with the practice's commitment to community outreach and education, is a positive indicator.

The Asthma Score would be negatively impacted by factors such as a lack of access to affordable medications, limited insurance coverage, and transportation barriers. These social determinants of health significantly impact asthma outcomes. Efforts to address these challenges, such as partnering with community organizations to provide medication assistance or transportation services, would positively impact the score.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 25705 and primary care availability in Huntington is complex. It's determined by physician-to-patient ratios, specialist access, adherence to clinical guidelines, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and the availability of community support. A high score reflects a healthcare system that prioritizes comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered asthma care.

To visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of these factors, including physician locations, specialist availability, and community resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. They offer a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas where improvements are needed.