25813, Beaver, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25813, Beaver, West Virginia is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.77 percent of the residents in 25813 has some form of health insurance. 41.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.70 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 25813 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,514 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25813. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,615 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,714 health care providers accessible to residents in 25813, Beaver, West Virginia.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, significantly impacts communities, demanding accessible and effective healthcare. This analysis examines the asthma care landscape within ZIP Code 25813, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians in Beaver, West Virginia, and related resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and its capacity to address asthma management.

ZIP Code 25813, encompassing the town of Beckley and surrounding areas, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Assessing the asthma score requires evaluating several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services. Primary care physicians serve as the cornerstone of asthma management, providing initial diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, and medication prescriptions. Their availability directly influences the accessibility of care for asthma sufferers.

Beaver, a neighboring community to Beckley, provides a crucial lens for examining primary care availability. The physician-to-patient ratio in Beaver, and indeed the wider region, is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care, enabling more proactive asthma management. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio in Beaver, and how it compares to state and national averages, is essential for a comprehensive assessment. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare databases, can provide this crucial insight.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices in the area is paramount. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma management is vital. These practices may have specialized asthma clinics, offer comprehensive patient education programs, or utilize innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes. Examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and the availability of after-hours care can help distinguish these high-performing practices. Reviews from patients and insights from local healthcare advocacy groups offer valuable perspectives.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the asthma score analysis. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via video conferencing and other digital technologies, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The availability of telemedicine consultations for asthma management, including medication refills and symptom monitoring, can enhance convenience and reduce the burden on patients. Assessing the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services available, and patient satisfaction with these services contributes to the overall score.

The link between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, and these conditions can worsen asthma symptoms and reduce adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is therefore a significant factor in assessing the quality of asthma care. Identifying practices that offer integrated mental health services, or that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, can highlight a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, particularly for children and adolescents.

In addition to the above, the availability of specialized asthma care within the region is important. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma may require the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The presence of these specialists, and their accessibility to patients in ZIP Code 25813, impacts the asthma score. Factors such as the number of specialists, their wait times for appointments, and their participation in insurance networks are all relevant considerations.

Furthermore, the availability of asthma education programs and resources is essential. These programs can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, reduce hospitalizations, and improve their quality of life. Assessing the availability of educational materials, support groups, and self-management training programs contributes to the overall score. This includes information on triggers, medication use, and emergency action plans.

The assessment of the asthma score in ZIP Code 25813 and Beaver is a complex undertaking, requiring a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of specialized care, and the presence of asthma education programs all contribute to the overall picture. A high asthma score reflects a healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of asthma patients, while a low score indicates areas for improvement.

The data collected and analyzed in this assessment can be visualized and explored using geographic information systems (GIS). Mapping the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other resources, along with demographic data and health statistics, can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of asthma care and identify areas with unmet needs. This type of analysis can inform healthcare planning and resource allocation, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Beaver and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and insightful view of the data analyzed in this assessment, aiding in the identification of patterns, trends, and areas for improvement.