26202, Fenwick, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26202, Fenwick, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.42 percent of the residents in 26202 has some form of health insurance. 77.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.80 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 26202 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 51 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26202. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 159 health care providers accessible to residents in 26202, Fenwick, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26202 & Primary Care in Fenwick

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care resources within Fenwick, West Virginia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 26202, and assessing them through an "Asthma Score" lens. This approach considers factors crucial for asthma management, such as physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all of which impact patient outcomes. While a formal "Asthma Score" doesn't exist in a standardized format, this analysis creates a framework to evaluate the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in this specific area.

The foundation of a strong Asthma Score lies in accessible primary care. In Fenwick, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical element. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas like this often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment frequency, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment adjustments. This directly impacts asthma control, as regular check-ups are vital for monitoring lung function, adjusting medication, and addressing environmental triggers. The analysis would need to identify the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population served to calculate a preliminary ratio.

Beyond mere numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working individuals and those with unpredictable asthma symptoms? Are they equipped with spirometry equipment for accurate lung function testing, a cornerstone of asthma diagnosis and management? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses trained in asthma self-management? Practices demonstrating these attributes would score higher on the Asthma Score, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor in evaluating the Asthma Score. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, offering virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. This is especially valuable in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and facilitate more frequent contact with healthcare providers. The analysis would need to determine the extent of telemedicine integration within the practices serving ZIP code 26202, including the types of services offered and the technology platforms used.

The impact of mental health on asthma control is often underestimated. Anxiety and depression can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is an essential component of a high Asthma Score. Does the practice have on-site mental health professionals? Do they have established referral pathways to local therapists or psychiatrists? Are they screening patients for mental health conditions? Practices that prioritize mental health integration demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, leading to improved asthma outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 26202 is a key objective. This requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. Are there any practices that have earned recognition for their asthma care, perhaps through patient satisfaction surveys or quality improvement initiatives? Do they actively participate in asthma-related research or community outreach programs? Do they offer patient education materials and support groups? Practices excelling in these areas would be highlighted as models of best practice.

Furthermore, the analysis would need to consider the availability of specialist care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, asthma management sometimes requires the expertise of pulmonologists or allergists. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists are essential, particularly for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The analysis would need to identify the nearest specialists, the referral pathways from primary care practices, and the wait times for appointments.

Environmental factors also play a role in the Asthma Score. Fenwick's geographical location and climate may influence asthma triggers. The analysis should consider the prevalence of common allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites. It should also assess the air quality in the area, as poor air quality can worsen asthma symptoms. Public health initiatives aimed at reducing environmental triggers, such as air quality monitoring programs or asthma-friendly school policies, would contribute positively to the Asthma Score.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Fenwick must also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to asthma care. The analysis should examine the demographic profile of the population served by the primary care practices in ZIP code 26202 and assess the availability of resources to address these socioeconomic challenges. This includes information on insurance acceptance, sliding scale fees, and transportation assistance programs.

The analysis would also need to consider the availability of pharmacies within the area. Convenient access to medication refills is crucial for asthma management. The location and operating hours of pharmacies, as well as the availability of asthma medications and devices, would be assessed. Practices that collaborate with local pharmacies to ensure timely medication refills and patient education would receive a higher Asthma Score.

In conclusion, assessing the Asthma Score for ZIP code 26202 and primary care availability in Fenwick requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, environmental factors, and socioeconomic considerations. This analysis would identify strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare landscape and highlight areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fenwick and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more informed assessment of asthma care accessibility and quality. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your area.