26201, Buckhannon, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26201, Buckhannon, West Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.60 percent of the residents in 26201 has some form of health insurance. 46.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.11 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 26201 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,006 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26201. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,962 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,949 health care providers accessible to residents in 26201, Buckhannon, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Buckhannon, WV (ZIP Code 26201)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of asthma care within Buckhannon, West Virginia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 26201. We'll examine factors impacting asthma patients, including physician access, practice characteristics, technology integration, and mental health support, culminating in an assessment of the overall "Asthma Score" for this region. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing asthma and to highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

Physician access is a critical component of asthma management. The physician-to-patient ratio in Buckhannon, and indeed the broader Upshur County, presents a challenge. While precise figures fluctuate, the area generally experiences a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs). This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it harder for patients to receive timely diagnoses, treatment adjustments, and preventative care, all essential for effective asthma control. The limited number of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, further exacerbates the issue, forcing patients to travel to larger cities for specialized consultations.

The availability of primary care physicians in Buckhannon is therefore a key driver in our asthma score. A higher concentration of PCPs, especially those actively managing asthma cases, would significantly improve the score. The geographical distribution of these physicians also matters. Are they clustered in one area, or are they spread out to serve the entire ZIP code? Accessibility, including transportation options, becomes a critical factor, especially for patients with limited mobility or those lacking reliable transportation.

Within the existing healthcare infrastructure, several practices stand out in their approach to asthma care. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources on triggers, medication management, and self-monitoring techniques. They may also have dedicated staff trained in asthma management, such as respiratory therapists or certified asthma educators. These practices frequently utilize evidence-based guidelines and participate in quality improvement initiatives to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Their success in managing asthma cases, measured by metrics like reduced hospitalizations and improved patient-reported outcomes, contributes positively to the overall asthma score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of asthma care in Buckhannon. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly for patients in rural areas with limited access to specialists. Virtual consultations allow patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, enabling physicians to proactively manage patients' conditions and prevent exacerbations. The extent to which practices in 26201 have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and patient portals, significantly impacts the asthma score.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked, yet play a vital role in asthma management. Asthma, a chronic condition, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Effective asthma management requires addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their asthma care protocols contribute positively to the overall asthma score. Collaboration between primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals is crucial for providing comprehensive care.

The presence of community resources, such as asthma support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications, also influences the asthma score. These resources empower patients to actively participate in their care and improve their quality of life. The availability of these resources reflects the community's commitment to supporting individuals with asthma.

Analyzing all these factors, we can begin to formulate an "Asthma Score" for ZIP code 26201. The score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. A higher score indicates better access to physicians, superior practice characteristics, robust telemedicine adoption, strong mental health support, and readily available community resources. A lower score indicates areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine options, and a lack of mental health services.

The asthma score is not a static number. It is a dynamic measure that can change over time based on improvements in healthcare infrastructure, advancements in technology, and the implementation of new programs. Regular assessments of the score are crucial to identify areas needing attention and to track progress in improving asthma care.

Based on the available information, the asthma score for 26201 is likely moderate. While the area has dedicated healthcare professionals, the challenges of physician shortages, limited specialist access, and the need for greater telemedicine adoption likely hold the score back. However, the presence of dedicated practices, the potential for growth in telemedicine, and the increasing awareness of the importance of mental health support suggest that the score can be improved with targeted interventions.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Buckhannon and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, pharmacies, and community support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographical data, enabling you to identify areas with limited access to care and to understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and the population they serve.

**Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Buckhannon and beyond.**