Health Scores Near 26228, Kanawha Head, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26228, Kanawha Head, West Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 26228 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 26228 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26228. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,810 health care providers accessible to residents in 26228, Kanawha Head, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26228, Kanawha Head, West Virginia
| Asthma Score | 65 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 100 |
| Provider Score | 29 |
| Hospital Score | 69 |
| Travel Score | 16 |
| 26228 | Kanawha Head | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26228 and Primary Care Availability in Kanawha Head
Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially for a condition like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 26228, specifically considering the context of Kanawha Head, and evaluates factors relevant to asthma management. We'll construct an "Asthma Score" based on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health support. This score, though not a formal clinical metric, provides a relative understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients.
Kanawha Head, a small community, likely faces challenges common in rural areas: limited physician density and potential difficulties in accessing specialized care. The Asthma Score will reflect these realities.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Baseline**
The foundation of our Asthma Score rests on the physician-to-patient ratio. Accurate data on the exact population of Kanawha Head and the precise number of PCPs practicing within 26228 is crucial. Publicly available resources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine can provide population estimates and physician licensing information. A high physician-to-patient ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. Conversely, a low ratio (more patients per physician) suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, a significant concern for asthma sufferers needing regular check-ups and urgent care.
If the ratio reveals a scarcity of PCPs, the Asthma Score will be negatively impacted. This scarcity might necessitate longer travel times to access care, a major obstacle for individuals with breathing difficulties. The score will also consider the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, although their direct presence within the ZIP code is less likely in a rural setting. The ability to easily access specialist care, even if it requires travel, is a crucial factor.
**Practice Characteristics: Beyond the Numbers**
Beyond the raw physician count, the characteristics of the practices themselves significantly influence the Asthma Score. We'll evaluate several key aspects:
* **Appointment Availability:** How quickly can patients schedule routine appointments and, crucially, urgent visits for asthma exacerbations? Practices offering same-day or next-day appointments for acute respiratory distress will receive higher marks.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including those commonly used by residents of Kanawha Head? Limited insurance acceptance can create significant access barriers.
* **Office Hours and Accessibility:** Are the office hours convenient for working families? Is the practice physically accessible for patients with disabilities, including those who may experience mobility limitations due to asthma symptoms?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide comprehensive asthma education, including self-management plans, inhaler technique training, and trigger avoidance strategies? Practices actively involved in patient education will receive a higher score.
**Standout Practices: Identifying Excellence**
Identifying "standout" practices involves recognizing those that excel in specific areas of asthma care. Perhaps a practice has a dedicated asthma educator or offers specialized asthma clinics. Maybe a practice has a strong track record of managing severe asthma cases. These practices will be highlighted in the analysis, offering a benchmark for other providers. The ability to easily identify and access these practices is a positive factor.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**
Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for improving access to care, particularly in rural areas. The Asthma Score will heavily weigh the adoption of telemedicine by local practices. Key considerations include:
* **Virtual Consultations:** Does the practice offer virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication refills, and follow-up visits?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Does the practice utilize remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters or pulse oximeters, to track patients' asthma symptoms and proactively intervene when needed?
* **Ease of Use:** Is the telemedicine platform user-friendly and accessible to patients of all technological skill levels?
Practices embracing telemedicine will receive a significant boost in their Asthma Score, reflecting their commitment to providing convenient and accessible care.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**
Asthma can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and effective asthma management requires addressing these issues. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks.
* **Mental Health Screening:** Does the practice routinely screen patients for anxiety and depression?
* **On-site Counseling:** Does the practice have a therapist or counselor on staff?
* **Referral Network:** Does the practice have a strong referral network to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists, who specialize in treating patients with chronic illnesses?
Practices that prioritize mental health support will receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of holistic patient care.
**Conclusion: CartoChrome Maps and Enhanced Healthcare**
This Asthma Score analysis, while based on available data, offers a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 26228 and the context of Kanawha Head. It highlights the importance of physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health support in providing effective asthma care.
The ultimate goal is to empower patients and improve health outcomes. By visualizing this data, it becomes easier to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.
**Take the next step. Visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility in your area. Visit CartoChrome maps today to explore interactive maps and uncover valuable insights.**
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