26181, Washington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26181, Washington, West Virginia is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.08 percent of the residents in 26181 has some form of health insurance. 47.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.62 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 26181 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,435 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26181. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,859 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 412 health care providers accessible to residents in 26181, Washington, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26181 and Primary Care Availability in Washington

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, specifically considering asthma management, within ZIP code 26181 (Parkersburg, West Virginia) and the broader context of primary care access in Washington State. We will assess factors impacting asthma care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible and competent primary care. In ZIP code 26181, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Assessing this ratio requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the zip code and comparing it to the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical boards can provide this information. The analysis should then compare this ratio to both the national average and the average for West Virginia, highlighting any disparities.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within 26181 requires examining their asthma management protocols. Do they adhere to established guidelines from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they offer patient education on asthma triggers, medication adherence, and proper inhaler technique? Are they equipped to perform spirometry, a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma? Reviews from patients, available through online platforms and patient satisfaction surveys, can offer insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Its adoption rate among PCPs in 26181 should be assessed. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education? Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The analysis should investigate the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice’s overall asthma management strategy.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can contribute to anxiety and depression, while these mental health challenges can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive asthma care. The analysis should examine whether PCPs in 26181 have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers. Do they screen patients for mental health conditions? Do they offer on-site mental health services or partner with mental health providers in the community?

Turning our attention to Washington State, the analysis must consider the broader context of primary care availability. Washington, like many states, faces challenges related to physician shortages, particularly in rural areas. The distribution of PCPs across the state, including urban and rural areas, needs to be assessed. This involves examining physician-to-patient ratios in different regions and identifying areas with limited access to care. The state's efforts to address these shortages, such as loan repayment programs for physicians practicing in underserved areas, should be evaluated.

The state's healthcare policies and initiatives also play a significant role. Does Washington have policies that support the adoption of value-based care models, which emphasize quality and patient outcomes over the volume of services provided? Are there programs to incentivize PCPs to provide comprehensive asthma care, including patient education and self-management support? The analysis should explore the impact of these policies on asthma management and overall primary care access.

Furthermore, the analysis must address the role of community health centers and other safety-net providers in Washington. These organizations often serve as a crucial source of primary care for low-income individuals and families. The analysis should examine the services offered by these centers, including asthma management, and their impact on access to care for vulnerable populations.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate information sharing between providers, and enable the tracking of patient outcomes. The analysis should assess the extent to which PCPs in Washington have adopted EHRs and the ways in which they are using these systems to improve asthma management.

Ultimately, a comprehensive assessment of asthma care in both ZIP code 26181 and Washington State requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the quality of care provided by individual practices, assessing the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, and examining the broader healthcare landscape, including state policies and the role of community health centers.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic distributions of physicians, access to care, and other relevant factors, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights and allow for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.