26137, Big Springs, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26137, Big Springs, West Virginia is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.15 percent of the residents in 26137 has some form of health insurance. 48.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.56 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 26137 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26137. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 176 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 26137, Big Springs, West Virginia.

Analyzing asthma care accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 26137, encompassing Big Springs, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive asthma management strategy. A numerical "Asthma Score" isn't directly achievable without proprietary data, but a detailed ranking based on available information provides valuable insights.

The foundation of effective asthma care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Big Springs, the density of PCPs is a critical determinant. The physician-to-patient ratio, the number of physicians per 1,000 residents, is a key metric. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can offer insights into this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would significantly impact the Asthma Score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased hospitalizations. Conversely, a higher ratio would suggest better access to care.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the available practices matter. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have extended hours or offer same-day appointments? These factors directly influence a patient's ability to receive timely care, especially during asthma exacerbations. Practices that are part of larger healthcare systems often have access to more resources, including specialists and advanced diagnostic equipment, which could positively impact the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, can significantly improve asthma care, particularly in rural areas like Big Springs where geographical barriers can limit access to in-person appointments. Practices that offer telemedicine services score higher. These services can provide ongoing support, education, and prompt intervention, potentially preventing severe asthma attacks and reducing hospital visits. The availability of telemedicine also increases the Asthma Score by allowing for easier access to care for those with mobility issues or transportation limitations.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can be a chronic condition that causes anxiety and depression. Effective asthma care includes addressing the psychological well-being of patients. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of mental health resources would positively influence the Asthma Score, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

Identifying standout practices in the area is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through patient education programs, asthma action plans, and regular monitoring would score higher. These practices often have a dedicated focus on asthma care, leading to better patient outcomes. Practices that are actively involved in quality improvement initiatives, such as tracking asthma control rates or participating in research studies, would also be considered higher-ranking.

The analysis must also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While PCPs are the first line of defense, access to pulmonologists or allergists is essential for complex cases. The proximity of specialists and the ease with which patients can be referred to them are important factors. A lack of access to specialists would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the availability of community resources, such as support groups or educational programs, can supplement medical care. These resources empower patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that actively connect patients with these resources would be viewed more favorably.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 26137 and primary care availability in Big Springs involves evaluating several factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to specialists all contribute to the overall quality of asthma care. A comprehensive analysis would also consider patient satisfaction surveys, asthma-related hospitalization rates, and other outcome measures. The higher the score, the better the access to and quality of asthma care.

To gain a more visual and data-driven understanding of healthcare access in Big Springs and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help you identify healthcare gaps, understand geographic disparities, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.