26203, Erbacon, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26203, Erbacon, West Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26203 has some form of health insurance. 97.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 9.28 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 26203 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 204 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26203. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 193 health care providers accessible to residents in 26203, Erbacon, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26203 & Primary Care in Erbacon**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP code 26203 (likely representing a portion of or the entirety of Elkins, West Virginia) and the community of Erbacon, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on asthma care, primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, providing a comprehensive overview.

Evaluating asthma care necessitates considering several factors. The prevalence of asthma within the population is a key starting point. Demographic data, including age, race, and socioeconomic status, can influence asthma rates. Access to specialized pulmonologists or allergists is crucial, especially for patients with severe asthma. The availability of asthma education programs, inhaler technique training, and peak flow meter monitoring are essential components of effective asthma management. Furthermore, the presence of environmental triggers, such as allergens and air quality, can significantly impact asthma control.

Primary care availability in Erbacon, a smaller community, presents unique challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio indicates a shortage of primary care physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. The geographic distribution of primary care providers within Erbacon and its surrounding areas is also important. Residents in remote locations may face significant travel distances to reach a primary care physician.

Physician-to-patient ratios in 26203 and Erbacon are likely to be areas of concern. Rural areas often experience a shortage of healthcare professionals due to factors such as lower salaries, limited career advancement opportunities, and a lack of amenities. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, along with information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, can provide insights into the physician-to-population ratios. The ideal ratio varies depending on the specific needs of the population, but a higher ratio generally indicates better access to care.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer extended hours, and have a strong focus on preventative medicine should be highlighted. Practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes should also be recognized. Patient reviews and feedback are valuable sources of information for assessing the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to improve healthcare access in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. The availability of telemedicine services for asthma management, such as virtual asthma education programs and remote monitoring of lung function, can be particularly beneficial. The success of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians and patients to embrace technology, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers.

Mental health resources are an essential component of comprehensive healthcare. Asthma and other chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on mental health. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, is crucial for supporting patients. Integration of mental health services into primary care settings can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals can lead to better outcomes for patients.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources in 26203 and Erbacon involves examining the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists in the area. The presence of community mental health centers and support groups is also important. The availability of telehealth options for mental health services can further enhance access to care, especially for individuals in remote locations.

Specific data points are difficult to provide without direct access to databases and real-time information. However, the general methodology would involve:

* **Data Collection:** Gathering data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, local hospitals, clinics, and physician directories.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio Calculation:** Determining the number of primary care physicians and specialists (pulmonologists, allergists) within 26203 and Erbacon, and calculating the ratio based on population data.
* **Practice Evaluation:** Reviewing patient reviews, assessing practice websites for services offered, and contacting practices to inquire about specific programs (asthma education, telemedicine).
* **Mental Health Resource Assessment:** Identifying the number of mental health professionals, community mental health centers, and support groups in the area.
* **Telemedicine Adoption Assessment:** Determining which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available.
* **Environmental Factor Consideration:** Researching local air quality data and identifying potential environmental triggers for asthma.

The final "Asthma Score" would be a composite score based on the weighted averages of these factors. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in asthma management and primary care access. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialized care might be weighted more heavily than the availability of asthma education programs.

Without specific data, it is difficult to definitively rank the "doctors in ZIP Code 26203" and "primary care availability in Erbacon." However, based on the general challenges of rural healthcare, it is likely that both areas face significant challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health services may be areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26203 and Erbacon, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent geographic data, such as the location of healthcare providers, population density, and environmental factors. This can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and identify areas where resources are most needed.