26187, Williamstown, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26187, Williamstown, West Virginia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.94 percent of the residents in 26187 has some form of health insurance. 37.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.40 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 26187 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,195 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26187. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,407 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 457 health care providers accessible to residents in 26187, Williamstown, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Williamstown, WV (ZIP Code 26187)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and capabilities of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Williamstown, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26187), with a specific emphasis on asthma care. We will assess the physician-to-patient ratio, evaluate standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and consider the availability of mental health resources – all critical components of comprehensive asthma management.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) offer valuable insights. These sources can reveal whether Williamstown and the surrounding Wood County area are classified as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care. A designation as an HPSA suggests a shortage of PCPs, potentially hindering timely access to care, including asthma management. Even if not formally designated, a low physician-to-patient ratio, such as a ratio exceeding the national average, would indicate potential challenges in securing appointments and ongoing care. This directly impacts the Asthma Score, as reduced access to timely interventions can worsen asthma control and lead to more frequent exacerbations.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the specific services offered and the quality of care provided. This goes beyond simply counting the number of physicians. Practices excelling in asthma management typically demonstrate several key characteristics. First, they possess a clear asthma management protocol, often aligned with guidelines from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This includes standardized assessment tools, personalized treatment plans, and patient education materials. Second, these practices employ trained staff, such as nurses or respiratory therapists, who are specifically skilled in asthma education and management. Third, they actively monitor patient outcomes, tracking metrics like asthma control test scores, exacerbation rates, and medication adherence. Fourth, they embrace patient-centered care, fostering strong doctor-patient relationships and empowering patients to actively participate in their own care. Practices that demonstrate these qualities would receive a higher Asthma Score rating.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Williamstown. Telemedicine offers several advantages for asthma management. It can facilitate remote consultations, allowing patients to connect with their physicians for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and symptom monitoring without the need for travel. It can also enable remote education sessions, empowering patients with knowledge about asthma triggers, medication techniques, and self-management strategies. The Asthma Score will be positively influenced by practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, especially those that integrate remote monitoring devices like peak flow meters or pulse oximeters. The ease of access and the ability to proactively manage symptoms contribute to improved asthma control.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of asthma care. Asthma, as a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen asthma symptoms and contribute to poor asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the Williamstown healthcare landscape is essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their asthma management programs will receive a higher Asthma Score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists who can provide support and address the psychological aspects of living with asthma. Collaboration between PCPs, pulmonologists (if available), and mental health professionals is crucial for holistic patient care.

The overall Asthma Score for Williamstown (ZIP Code 26187) will be a composite of these factors. A high score would reflect a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices with robust asthma management protocols, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing quality asthma care, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of integrated mental health services. The specific weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in achieving optimal asthma control and patient outcomes.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable, this will negatively impact the Asthma Score. If practices demonstrate strong asthma management protocols, this will positively impact the score. If telemedicine is widely adopted, this will further increase the score. The availability of mental health resources will also contribute positively. The final score will be a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in Williamstown.

Assessing the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is also crucial. While PCPs are the primary point of contact, access to specialized care is essential for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The presence of pulmonologists in the area, or the ease of referral to specialists in nearby cities, will impact the Asthma Score. This will be factored into the overall assessment of care available.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of resources for patient education. Asthma education is vital for patients to understand their condition, triggers, and medications. Practices that offer comprehensive patient education programs, including written materials, online resources, and individual counseling, will be rated more favorably. This focus on patient empowerment contributes to improved asthma control and a higher Asthma Score.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for Williamstown, WV (ZIP Code 26187) is a dynamic assessment based on multiple factors. The availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of specialized care all contribute to the overall score. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Williamstown and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and telemedicine availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care.