26141, Creston, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26141, Creston, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.11 percent of the residents in 26141 has some form of health insurance. 56.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.67 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 26141 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26141. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 101 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 79 health care providers accessible to residents in 26141, Creston, West Virginia.

Analyzing asthma care and primary care access within ZIP code 26141, encompassing Creston, West Virginia, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, presented as an "Asthma Score," will evaluate the available resources, physician accessibility, and integration of innovative healthcare practices. The score will not be a numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of any asthma care assessment rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Creston, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly impact access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of asthma. Information on the exact ratio for 26141 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to obtain this data. A low PCP availability suggests a lower "Asthma Score" foundation.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the available primary care practices are vital. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have extended hours or offer weekend appointments? Do they have dedicated staff trained in asthma management, such as certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists? Practices with these features would contribute positively to the "Asthma Score." Investigating the presence of these features is essential.

The integration of telemedicine represents a crucial element of modern healthcare, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and remote monitoring capabilities. Practices in 26141 that offer telemedicine consultations for asthma management, follow-up appointments, or remote monitoring of peak flow meters would receive a higher "Asthma Score" rating. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score, potentially increasing the burden on patients and exacerbating asthma control challenges.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, yet they are incredibly important. Asthma can be a chronic condition that contributes to anxiety and depression. Patients with these co-morbidities may experience poorer asthma control. Practices that integrate mental health screening and counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would be viewed favorably in the "Asthma Score." The availability of these resources, or lack thereof, directly impacts the overall well-being of asthma patients.

Standout practices in 26141 would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes offering patient education programs, providing personalized asthma action plans, and actively engaging patients in their own care. Practices that utilize electronic health records to track asthma control metrics, such as exacerbation frequency and medication adherence, would also be considered exemplary. The presence of these elements would significantly boost the "Asthma Score."

Evaluating the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also necessary. The proximity to these specialists is important. If patients in 26141 must travel long distances to see a pulmonologist, this would negatively affect the "Asthma Score." The availability of local specialists, or the ease of access to specialists in nearby communities, is a key factor in assessing the quality of asthma care.

Furthermore, the responsiveness of the local healthcare system to asthma-related emergencies needs evaluation. The proximity of emergency rooms and urgent care centers, along with their capacity to handle asthma exacerbations, is critical. The presence of protocols for asthma management in these settings is also an important factor. A well-prepared emergency response system would positively influence the "Asthma Score."

Another factor to consider is the availability of community resources. Are there local support groups for asthma patients? Are there programs that provide education about asthma triggers and environmental control measures? The presence of these resources can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The availability of these resources, or lack thereof, can impact the "Asthma Score."

Examining the affordability of healthcare services is also necessary. The cost of medications, doctor visits, and specialist consultations can be a significant barrier to care for some patients. The availability of financial assistance programs or medication discount programs would positively impact the "Asthma Score." A focus on affordability demonstrates a commitment to patient-centered care.

Finally, the "Asthma Score" should reflect the overall commitment of the community to asthma awareness and prevention. This includes public health initiatives aimed at educating the public about asthma triggers, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants. The presence of these types of initiatives would positively influence the "Asthma Score."

Overall, the "Asthma Score" for 26141 and the availability of primary care in Creston is likely to be impacted by the rural setting. Challenges in physician-to-patient ratios, the need for telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are expected. The presence of standout practices, community resources, and an affordable healthcare system will be critical to improving the overall score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26141, including the location of practices, specialists, and community resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive visualization of healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the resources available in Creston and the surrounding areas.