26218, French Creek, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26218, French Creek, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.17 percent of the residents in 26218 has some form of health insurance. 40.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.74 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 26218 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 974 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26218. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 370 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,800 health care providers accessible to residents in 26218, French Creek, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: French Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26218)

Analyzing asthma care within French Creek, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26218) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care delivered, the utilization of technology, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of healthcare access and provision within this specific geographic area. Due to the limitations of publicly available data and the need for patient privacy, this analysis will focus on general trends and available information, avoiding specific physician names or practice details where possible.

The cornerstone of asthma management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In French Creek, the primary care physician-to-patient ratio significantly impacts the Asthma Score. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, generally translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. This directly affects asthma control, as regular monitoring and medication adjustments are crucial for managing the chronic condition. The Asthma Score will be negatively impacted if the physician-to-patient ratio is demonstrably high. Conversely, a favorable ratio, indicating greater accessibility, would positively influence the score.

The availability of primary care in French Creek is directly tied to the overall health of the community. French Creek is a rural area, and the challenges of rural healthcare access are well-documented. These challenges include physician shortages, limited specialist availability, and transportation difficulties. These factors can create barriers to timely asthma care, negatively affecting the Asthma Score. The presence of a robust primary care network, including multiple practices and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, would significantly improve the score.

Several factors contribute to the quality of asthma care. Standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment, adherence to national guidelines, and patient education are all essential components. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these elements would receive a higher Asthma Score. For instance, practices that routinely utilize spirometry to assess lung function, provide personalized asthma action plans, and offer patient education on inhaler technique and environmental control would be considered high-quality providers. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would negatively impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in asthma management, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and medication refills via telehealth platforms would receive a higher Asthma Score. This is particularly relevant for patients with poorly controlled asthma, who may benefit from frequent check-ins and medication adjustments. The absence of telemedicine options would detract from the score, especially given the potential benefits in a rural setting.

Asthma and mental health are inextricably linked. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in individuals with asthma, and these conditions can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, referrals to mental health professionals, or screening for anxiety and depression would receive a higher Asthma Score. This holistic approach to patient care demonstrates a commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals with asthma. The lack of mental health integration would negatively impact the score, as it would suggest a potential gap in care.

Standout practices in French Creek, if any, would be those that excel in multiple areas. These practices would likely demonstrate a strong commitment to patient education, utilize technology effectively, and integrate mental health resources into their care model. They would also likely have a favorable physician-to-patient ratio and a reputation for providing high-quality care. These practices would serve as a model for others in the area, and their successes would positively influence the overall Asthma Score for the region.

The Asthma Score for French Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26218) is ultimately a composite measure. It considers the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, the utilization of technology, and the integration of mental health resources. Given the rural nature of the area, challenges in healthcare access are likely. The score would be negatively impacted by physician shortages, limited specialist availability, and a lack of telemedicine options. However, practices that prioritize patient education, adhere to national guidelines, and integrate mental health resources would positively influence the score. The overall Asthma Score is a dynamic measure, and it can change over time as healthcare practices evolve and adapt to the needs of their patients.

Analyzing the Asthma Score necessitates a deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape. This analysis provides a general overview, but a comprehensive assessment would require detailed data on physician availability, practice characteristics, and patient outcomes. This information is often difficult to obtain due to privacy concerns and the proprietary nature of healthcare data. However, the insights gained from this analysis can be used to inform policy decisions, guide healthcare resource allocation, and improve asthma care in French Creek, WV.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in French Creek, WV, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of healthcare access and availability.