25972, Leslie, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25972, Leslie, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25972 has some form of health insurance. 69.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 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 25972 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 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25972. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 105 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 25972, Leslie, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25972 & Leslie Primary Care

Analyzing the landscape of asthma care within ZIP Code 25972, encompassing the community of Leslie, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to evaluate not just the presence of physicians, but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of care, particularly considering the challenges of a rural environment. This analysis will provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for effective asthma management.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In the context of Leslie and ZIP Code 25972, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Determining this ratio requires data on the total population within the ZIP code and the number of practicing PCPs. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine can be used to estimate these figures. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, poses a significant challenge. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer asthma control.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type and characteristics of available practices are crucial. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer advantages, such as shared resources, on-call coverage, and access to a wider range of specialists. This can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who may require referrals to pulmonologists or allergists. Furthermore, the presence of certified asthma educators within a practice is a major asset. These educators can provide crucial patient education on asthma triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique, all vital components of effective asthma control.

Identifying standout practices involves looking for those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices that actively implement evidence-based guidelines for asthma management, such as those recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP). Key indicators include regular spirometry testing to assess lung function, individualized asthma action plans for patients, and proactive monitoring of asthma control. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) can also improve care coordination and facilitate better communication between providers and patients.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural areas like Leslie. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can significantly improve asthma control, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for follow-up visits and medication management, should receive a higher score in this assessment.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of asthma care, but they are critically important. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, is a crucial factor in the overall assessment. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues and have established referral pathways for mental health support deserve a higher score.

The Asthma Score for a specific practice or the overall community in ZIP Code 25972 will be a composite score derived from these factors. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, no telemedicine capabilities, and no mental health resources would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a good physician-to-patient ratio, access to specialists, telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health support would receive a higher score.

The overall score for the community would reflect the average of these individual practice scores, weighted by the number of patients each practice serves. This provides a comprehensive view of the asthma care landscape in Leslie. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to direct resources towards addressing the specific needs of the community.

To further refine the assessment, data on patient outcomes is essential. This includes metrics such as asthma exacerbation rates, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Public health data and patient surveys can be used to gather this information. A higher score would be assigned to communities with lower rates of adverse asthma outcomes, indicating better asthma control and effective care.

Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment would consider the availability of asthma education programs within the community. This includes programs offered by local health departments, schools, and community organizations. These programs can empower patients to manage their asthma effectively and reduce the burden of the disease. The presence of these programs would contribute to a higher Asthma Score.

The analysis also needs to consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and substandard housing conditions can all exacerbate asthma symptoms. The assessment should therefore consider the socioeconomic profile of the community and the availability of resources to address these social determinants of health.

Finally, the Asthma Score should be a dynamic measure, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the implementation of new programs. Regular updates ensure that the score remains a relevant and useful tool for improving asthma care in Leslie and ZIP Code 25972.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of asthma care in a rural setting. By considering the factors discussed above, we can develop a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape. This assessment can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to direct resources towards addressing the specific needs of the community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 25972 and visualize the distribution of resources, consider using the powerful mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visually analyze physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.