26253, Beverly, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.35 percent of the residents in 26253 has some form of health insurance. 46.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.57 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 26253 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 946 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26253. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 608 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 389 health care providers accessible to residents in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia.

The analysis of asthma care within ZIP code 26253, encompassing Beverly, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates evaluating the available healthcare infrastructure, physician accessibility, and the integration of modern technologies and support services, all through the lens of asthma management. This analysis will provide a preliminary ‘Asthma Score’ assessment, considering the limitations of publicly available data and the inherent complexities of healthcare delivery.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. In a rural area like Beverly, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts asthma care. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and poorer asthma control. Examining publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding county. This information, combined with population estimates, allows for calculating a preliminary ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, would negatively impact the ‘Asthma Score.’

Beyond the raw numbers, the specialties of available physicians matter. While PCPs are often the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists and allergists is vital for specialized asthma care. These specialists can provide advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and management of severe asthma cases. The presence or absence of these specialists within a reasonable travel distance from Beverly significantly influences the ‘Asthma Score.’ The analysis should also consider the proximity to larger medical centers that may offer these specialized services.

Assessing primary care availability in Beverly involves more than just counting physicians. It requires understanding appointment wait times, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the ability to accommodate new patients. Long wait times and limited insurance acceptance can create barriers to accessing care, negatively impacting asthma management. Practices that offer same-day or next-day appointments for urgent asthma exacerbations would positively influence the ‘Asthma Score.’

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma care through specific initiatives, such as asthma education programs, patient self-management training, and regular monitoring of asthma control, should be highlighted. Practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines for asthma treatment and have a strong track record of patient outcomes would receive a higher rating. Information about these practices can be gathered through online reviews, patient testimonials, and community feedback.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical factor in improving asthma care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of asthma symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine to improve patient access and convenience would contribute positively to the ‘Asthma Score.’ The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma care, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, either within the primary care setting or through referrals, is essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma care programs would receive a higher rating. The presence of support groups and educational resources for both patients and caregivers also contributes positively to the ‘Asthma Score.’

The ‘Asthma Score’ for ZIP code 26253 would be a composite metric. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the accessibility of primary care, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would be on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of asthma care. The final score would be a snapshot of the current situation, acknowledging that healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving.

This preliminary analysis is limited by the availability of public data. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct engagement with healthcare providers, patient surveys, and a review of clinical outcomes data. However, even with these limitations, this analysis provides a starting point for understanding the state of asthma care in Beverly, West Virginia.

In conclusion, the ‘Asthma Score’ for Beverly, West Virginia, reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the area may face challenges due to its rural location, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of dedicated practices, and the integration of mental health resources can significantly improve asthma care.

Would you like to visualize the healthcare landscape of Beverly, West Virginia, and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient populations, and other relevant data? CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of this information, allowing you to gain deeper insights into the factors influencing asthma care. Contact us to see how CartoChrome can help you visualize and analyze the data to improve patient outcomes.