26250, Belington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26250, Belington, West Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.19 percent of the residents in 26250 has some form of health insurance. 45.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.15 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 26250 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26250. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 957 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,093 health care providers accessible to residents in 26250, Belington, West Virginia.

Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26250 & Primary Care Availability in Belington, WV

Assessing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, specifically focusing on asthma care within ZIP code 26250 (Belington, WV) and the surrounding areas. We'll consider physician-to-patient ratios, identify any standout practices, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources – all critical components for a comprehensive asthma score analysis.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access. In a rural area like Belington, the ratio is likely to be a significant factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like asthma. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, along with national averages, will be crucial to establish a baseline. Further, comparing the physician-to-patient ratio in 26250 to state and national averages will highlight the relative challenges faced by residents in accessing primary care.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple physician numbers. We need to evaluate the quality of care offered. This includes examining patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based asthma management guidelines (such as those from the Global Initiative for Asthma, GINA), and the availability of specialized services. Does the practice offer comprehensive asthma education for patients and their families? Are there certified asthma educators on staff? Do they routinely monitor lung function and provide personalized action plans? These are all key indicators of a practice’s commitment to asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural settings. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and participate in virtual asthma education programs. The availability of telemedicine services can significantly improve asthma management, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments. We will need to determine which practices in the area offer telemedicine options, the types of services available through telemedicine, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but crucial component of asthma care. Asthma can be a chronic condition that impacts mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and effective management of these conditions can significantly improve asthma control. This analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves, as well as the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the Belington area. Do practices screen for anxiety and depression? Do they have established referral pathways? Are there local therapists or counselors who specialize in working with patients who have chronic illnesses?

The availability of specialized asthma care is another important factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for asthma patients, some patients may require the expertise of a pulmonologist or allergist. The analysis will determine the proximity of such specialists to Belington and the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes assessing appointment wait times and the availability of specialized diagnostic testing, such as allergy testing and pulmonary function tests.

Data collection will involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the West Virginia Board of Medicine, and the U.S. Census Bureau will provide baseline information on physician numbers and demographics. We will also need to conduct direct research, including contacting primary care practices in the area to gather information on their services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Patient reviews and feedback from local community organizations can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact asthma management. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and inadequate housing conditions can all exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult for patients to manage their condition effectively. We will assess the prevalence of these factors in Belington and consider how they might impact access to care and asthma outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the availability of asthma-related resources in the community, such as support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. The presence of community health initiatives aimed at improving asthma management can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Finally, the asthma score will be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors discussed above. It will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care offered by primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized asthma care. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of asthma care access and quality in ZIP code 26250, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this area.

This analysis is a snapshot in time. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. Data should be updated regularly to ensure the asthma score remains accurate and relevant. The findings can inform efforts to improve asthma care in Belington, WV, and potentially serve as a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution, consider exploring the power of visual data. CartoChrome maps can transform complex datasets into intuitive, interactive visualizations, revealing patterns and insights that might otherwise remain hidden.