26031, Benwood, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26031, Benwood, West Virginia is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.69 percent of the residents in 26031 has some form of health insurance. 42.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.69 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 26031 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26031. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 337 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,972 health care providers accessible to residents in 26031, Benwood, West Virginia.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP Code 26031, focusing on Benwood, necessitates a multi-faceted approach, evaluating physician availability, practice quality, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. This assessment will provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to asthma sufferers in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Benwood, and indeed within the broader 26031 ZIP Code, is a crucial starting point. Accurate data on this ratio requires accessing information from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The analysis needs to consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists actively practicing in the area. Furthermore, it's essential to factor in the population demographics of Benwood, including age distribution and prevalence of asthma, to determine if the existing physician base is sufficient to meet the community's needs. Shortages in physician availability can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and increased hospitalizations, all of which negatively impact asthma control.

Evaluating the quality of care involves examining the practices of existing primary care providers. This requires assessing their adherence to national asthma guidelines, such as those established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Key indicators include the frequency of asthma action plan development, the use of appropriate medications (including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists), and the provision of patient education on asthma triggers and management techniques. Practices that consistently demonstrate these best practices would be considered standout performers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve asthma management, especially for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in remote areas. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and ongoing monitoring of asthma symptoms. The analysis should identify which practices in the 26031 ZIP Code offer telemedicine services for asthma patients, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services to patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked component of asthma care, yet they are essential. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis needs to determine the availability of mental health services within Benwood and the 26031 ZIP Code, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. It should also assess whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers and whether they screen patients for mental health conditions. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with primary care physicians, can improve patient outcomes.

Specific practices to highlight would be those that demonstrate excellence in asthma management. This would involve identifying practices that have a high percentage of patients with well-controlled asthma, as measured by metrics such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT) or the Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ). Practices that have implemented patient-centered care models, such as providing extended appointment times, offering after-hours access, and actively engaging patients in their care plans, would also be considered standout performers.

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonary function testing (PFT) and allergy testing. These diagnostic tools are crucial for accurately diagnosing and managing asthma. Practices that have on-site PFT and allergy testing capabilities would be considered more comprehensive in their approach to asthma care.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the availability of patient education resources. This includes access to educational materials on asthma triggers, medication use, and proper inhaler technique. Practices that provide asthma education classes, support groups, or individual counseling sessions would be considered more proactive in empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

The assessment of primary care availability in Benwood must also factor in the accessibility of healthcare services. This includes considering the location of primary care practices, the availability of public transportation, and the affordability of care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer financial assistance programs would be considered more accessible to patients with limited financial resources.

In conclusion, the asthma score analysis for doctors in ZIP Code 26031, specifically Benwood, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Identifying standout practices and assessing the accessibility of care are also crucial. This detailed analysis will provide a valuable understanding of the asthma care landscape in Benwood, allowing for informed decision-making and the identification of areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Benwood and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.