26037, Follansbee, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26037, Follansbee, West Virginia is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.20 percent of the residents in 26037 has some form of health insurance. 35.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.70 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 26037 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26037. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,029 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,049 health care providers accessible to residents in 26037, Follansbee, West Virginia.

The analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within ZIP code 26037, focusing on physician accessibility, resource availability, and the overall quality of care for asthma sufferers in Follansbee, West Virginia. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem, allowing for more informed decisions regarding patient care and resource allocation. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of individuals managing this chronic respiratory condition.

Evaluating "Asthma Score" is complex, requiring a multi-faceted approach. Simply ranking doctors based on a single metric is insufficient. Instead, the analysis will consider several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized asthma care, adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these elements contributes to the overall "Asthma Score" and the patient experience.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, decreased access to preventative care, and potentially poorer management of chronic conditions like asthma. Within ZIP code 26037, the availability of primary care physicians is crucial. These physicians often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating specialist referrals. The analysis will investigate the current physician-to-patient ratio in Follansbee and compare it to regional and national averages. This comparison will highlight whether the area faces a shortage of primary care providers, potentially impacting the quality of asthma care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the presence of specialized asthma care is critical. This includes pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists with advanced training in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions. The availability of these specialists in or near Follansbee significantly impacts the "Asthma Score". Access to specialists ensures patients receive the most appropriate and up-to-date treatments, including advanced diagnostic testing and personalized management plans. The analysis will identify the number of specialists serving the area and assess their accessibility to patients in 26037.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. For asthma patients, telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and education. The analysis will assess the extent to which local physicians in Follansbee have adopted telemedicine technologies. This will involve investigating the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education and self-management.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Anxiety and depression are common among asthma patients, and these conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and negatively impact overall quality of life. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into asthma care is essential. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in Follansbee, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. It will also assess whether local physicians integrate mental health screening and referrals into their asthma care protocols. The goal is to determine if patients have easy access to mental health support, as this is an integral component of comprehensive asthma management.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the practices within ZIP code 26037. This involves looking beyond the basic metrics and considering factors such as patient satisfaction, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the implementation of patient education programs. The analysis will attempt to identify practices that demonstrate excellence in asthma care. This may involve reviewing patient testimonials, assessing the use of asthma action plans, and evaluating the practice’s commitment to ongoing professional development in asthma management.

The "Asthma Score" analysis will also consider the availability of community resources. This includes access to asthma education programs, support groups, and resources for managing environmental triggers. The analysis will identify local organizations and initiatives that support asthma patients and their families. Access to these resources can empower patients to take control of their condition and improve their quality of life.

The analysis will also consider the role of hospitals and urgent care facilities in the area. These facilities are crucial for managing asthma exacerbations and providing emergency care. The analysis will assess the availability of these services in Follansbee and their capacity to handle asthma-related emergencies. This includes evaluating the availability of asthma-specific protocols, trained staff, and appropriate equipment.

The final "Asthma Score" will reflect a holistic assessment of the healthcare landscape in 26037. It will consider the availability of physicians, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the existence of standout practices, and the availability of community resources. The score will be a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in Follansbee.

The analysis will highlight areas where the healthcare system excels and areas where improvements are needed. The findings will provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients. This information can be used to inform resource allocation, develop targeted interventions, and improve the overall quality of asthma care in the community.

For a comprehensive, interactive map of healthcare resources in Follansbee and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and community resources, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the data, understand the landscape, and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to navigate the healthcare system.