25942, Winona, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25942, Winona, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.89 percent of the residents in 25942 has some form of health insurance. 30.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.03 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 25942 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25942. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 17 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 366 health care providers accessible to residents in 25942, Winona, West Virginia.

Analyzing asthma care in ZIP Code 25942, a rural area, demands a nuanced approach, considering the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in such a setting. The Asthma Score, a hypothetical metric we will use for this analysis, would incorporate several key factors to assess the quality and accessibility of asthma management for residents. This score considers the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and physician-to-patient ratios. We will also assess primary care availability specifically in the town of Winona, which likely falls within or near ZIP Code 25942.

The foundation of effective asthma care is accessible primary care. In ZIP Code 25942, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and ongoing management. If the ratio is unfavorable, this negatively impacts the Asthma Score. Conversely, a favorable ratio, coupled with a demonstrated commitment to asthma management within primary care practices, would significantly boost the score. The availability of after-hours care, including urgent care options, also factors into the score, particularly given the potential for asthma exacerbations to occur outside of regular office hours.

Primary care practices in Winona, and by extension, within the broader ZIP Code, are the primary access points for asthma care. The Asthma Score considers the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their training in asthma management, and their adherence to established guidelines. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, provide patient education materials, and have dedicated asthma management protocols will receive higher scores. The presence of certified asthma educators within these practices further enhances the score, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive patient care.

Specialist availability plays a crucial role, even in a rural setting. While direct access to pulmonologists may be limited, the Asthma Score considers the ease of referral to specialists outside the immediate ZIP Code. The presence of telemedicine capabilities, allowing for remote consultations with pulmonologists or allergists, would significantly improve the score. Furthermore, the score assesses the integration of specialists into the overall care plan, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between primary care and specialist providers.

Telemedicine adoption is a game-changer for rural healthcare. Practices utilizing telemedicine for asthma management, including remote monitoring of peak flow meters, virtual follow-up appointments, and medication management, receive a substantial boost in their Asthma Score. The ability to provide care remotely reduces the burden of travel for patients, particularly those with severe asthma, and increases access to timely interventions. The score also evaluates the ease of use of the telemedicine platform, its integration with electronic health records, and the training provided to both physicians and patients.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as essential components of asthma care. The Asthma Score incorporates the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Asthma, especially uncontrolled asthma, can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that screen for mental health issues and offer referrals to appropriate resources will receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services into the overall asthma care plan, including collaborative care models, further enhances the score.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 25942 would be those that demonstrate a holistic approach to asthma management. These practices would have a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, prioritize patient education, actively utilize telemedicine, and integrate mental health resources into their care plans. They would adhere to evidence-based guidelines, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and actively seek feedback from patients. Such practices would serve as models for other providers in the area, raising the overall standard of asthma care.

Specific examples of standout practices would be those that have implemented asthma action plans for all patients, provide regular education sessions on asthma triggers and management, and offer convenient appointment scheduling options. Practices utilizing remote monitoring technologies, such as connected inhalers or peak flow meters, would also score highly. The ability to offer bilingual services, catering to the needs of a diverse patient population, would be another positive factor.

Evaluating primary care availability in Winona requires a closer look at the specific practices serving the town. The Asthma Score would assess the number of PCPs located within Winona, their patient load, and their willingness to accept new patients. The score would also consider the availability of same-day appointments for urgent asthma needs, the presence of after-hours care options, and the ease of accessing specialist referrals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to serving the Winona community, including participation in local health fairs and community outreach programs, would receive a higher score.

The Asthma Score, as a composite metric, provides a comprehensive assessment of asthma care quality and accessibility. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, guiding efforts to improve patient outcomes. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the practices’ commitment to asthma management, the score offers a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all residents of ZIP Code 25942, and particularly those in Winona, have access to the high-quality asthma care they deserve.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 25942, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing asthma care in this rural setting. Visit CartoChrome maps today to see the data in action.