25979, Pipestem, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25979, Pipestem, West Virginia is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.15 percent of the residents in 25979 has some form of health insurance. 71.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.12 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 25979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 58 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25979. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 174 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 98 health care providers accessible to residents in 25979, Pipestem, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors and Primary Care in Pipestem, WV (ZIP Code 25979)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Pipestem, West Virginia (ZIP code 25979) requires a nuanced understanding of its resources, particularly concerning asthma care and primary care accessibility. This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of care, focusing on key factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Asthma Score” assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In rural areas like Pipestem, this ratio is often lower than in urban centers, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for this specific ZIP code requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments. This data would include the number of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists practicing within the area, alongside the estimated population. A lower ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score, as it suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely care.

The characteristics of primary care practices are also crucial. The Asthma Score will be influenced by factors such as the size of the practices, the services offered, and the experience of the physicians. Larger practices with multiple physicians often provide greater flexibility in scheduling appointments and offer a broader range of services. The presence of board-certified specialists in pulmonology and allergy within the area is particularly important for asthma management. Assessing the educational background and experience of the physicians, including their specialization in asthma care, will directly impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. The Asthma Score will be positively affected by the availability of telemedicine services for asthma management, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and medication management. Investigating which practices offer telemedicine options, the types of services provided, and the ease of use for patients is essential.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but vital component of asthma care. Asthma can have a significant impact on mental well-being, and patients with asthma may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, within the local healthcare system is therefore crucial. The Asthma Score will be improved by the availability of mental health services, particularly those that are integrated with primary care or asthma specialty practices.

Identifying standout practices in the area requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. This involves examining patient reviews, assessing the quality of care provided, and evaluating the practice’s commitment to asthma management. Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on asthma care, including patient education, personalized treatment plans, and regular follow-up appointments, will receive higher scores. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can also contribute to a higher score, as they facilitate communication and improve care coordination.

Specific practices in the area need to be evaluated. This includes the availability of after-hours care, which is important for managing asthma exacerbations. Practices that offer extended hours or on-call services will be viewed favorably. The Asthma Score will also consider the practice's ability to accommodate patients with disabilities and provide culturally competent care.

The availability of asthma education programs is another important factor. Asthma education can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Practices that offer asthma education programs, either in-person or online, will receive higher scores. This includes education on medication use, trigger avoidance, and asthma action plans.

The presence of support groups and community resources for asthma patients is also beneficial. These resources provide patients with a sense of community and allow them to share experiences and learn from each other. The Asthma Score will be positively impacted by the availability of support groups and community resources, such as asthma support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and educational materials.

The overall Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP code 25979 will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the various factors discussed. The weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in asthma management. Factors like physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists will likely carry a higher weight than factors like the availability of support groups. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area.

This analysis highlights the need for a detailed investigation of the healthcare resources available in Pipestem. The assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are crucial for determining the Asthma Score. The identification of standout practices and the evaluation of asthma education programs and community resources are also essential. This comprehensive assessment will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, helping to inform efforts to improve asthma care in the area.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pipestem, including the location of physicians, practices, and healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a clear and interactive visualization of the data, allowing you to explore the healthcare resources in the area and make informed decisions about your care.