26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.70 percent of the residents in 26170 has some form of health insurance. 38.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.64 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 26170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,300 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26170. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,077 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 380 health care providers accessible to residents in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia.

The following analysis assesses asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within Saint Marys, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26170), focusing on factors impacting patient well-being. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios in Saint Marys, and indeed the broader Pleasants County, are a key indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer management of chronic conditions like asthma. Data from state and national databases, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the precise ratio within the specified ZIP code and county. This information will reveal whether the area faces a physician shortage, which would significantly impact the asthma score.

Evaluating the performance of individual practices requires a nuanced approach. While a simple “asthma score” is difficult to quantify precisely, several metrics can be used to assess the quality of asthma care. These include the percentage of patients receiving annual asthma action plans, the frequency of emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to asthma, and the use of guideline-directed therapies, such as inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews, while subjective, can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Furthermore, assessing the availability of specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, is essential. The presence of these specialists can significantly improve the quality of care for complex asthma cases.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges. In a rural area like Saint Marys, telemedicine can be a vital tool for improving access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation barriers. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and medication management support are likely to achieve higher asthma scores. However, the success of telemedicine depends on factors such as reliable internet access, patient digital literacy, and the willingness of physicians to embrace this technology. Investigating the extent of telemedicine integration within local practices is therefore crucial.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma care. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. Assessing the availability and accessibility of mental health support within the local healthcare system is therefore an essential element of the asthma score analysis.

Standout practices in Saint Marys, if any, should be identified based on the criteria mentioned above. Practices that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, such as strong physician-to-patient ratios, high rates of asthma action plan utilization, effective telemedicine integration, and robust mental health support, should be recognized. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area, promoting best practices and improving the overall quality of asthma care. Detailed reviews of each practice would be required to determine the standout practices.

Specific examples of how each practice performs are crucial. For instance, does a particular practice actively promote and utilize telemedicine for asthma management? Do they offer educational resources for patients on asthma triggers and self-management techniques? Do they have a dedicated asthma educator or nurse who provides personalized support? Answering these questions will provide a more detailed and informative picture of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis should also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Poverty, lack of access to quality housing, and exposure to environmental pollutants can all exacerbate asthma symptoms and worsen health outcomes. Identifying and addressing these social determinants of health is essential for improving asthma care in Saint Marys. This may involve collaborating with community organizations to provide resources and support to vulnerable populations.

The analysis should conclude with a summary of the findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in terms of asthma care and primary care accessibility. It should also offer recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health services. This is a complex analysis that needs to be updated regularly.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare access and practice locations in Saint Marys (ZIP Code 26170), including physician locations, practice specializations, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual tool for understanding the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas where improvements are needed.