26260, Davis, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26260, Davis, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.49 percent of the residents in 26260 has some form of health insurance. 44.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.02 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 26260 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 171 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26260. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 343 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 88 health care providers accessible to residents in 26260, Davis, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Davis, WV (ZIP Code 26260)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals with asthma in Davis, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26260) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. It aims to provide an "Asthma Score" ranking, reflecting the ease with which residents can manage their asthma effectively within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of asthma care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Davis, a small, rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge. Patients might face extended wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and difficulty establishing a consistent relationship with a trusted physician. This scarcity directly impacts the Asthma Score, potentially lowering it due to the inherent logistical hurdles. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the U.S. Census Bureau, alongside information from local healthcare providers, would be essential to accurately determine the current physician-to-patient ratio. This data would then inform the score, reflecting the reality of access.

Primary care availability in Davis is further complicated by the potential for physician shortages, especially in rural regions. This scarcity can lead to burnout among existing physicians, potentially affecting the quality of care they can provide. Furthermore, recruitment and retention of medical professionals in rural areas are often difficult, further exacerbating the problem. The Asthma Score must consider the sustainability of the existing healthcare infrastructure, recognizing the potential for future disruptions.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of local medical practices play a vital role. Are practices accepting new patients? What are their hours of operation? Do they offer after-hours or weekend appointments? Practices that are open and accessible, offering a range of appointment options, contribute positively to the Asthma Score. Conversely, practices with limited availability or long wait times would negatively impact the score. The presence of specialized asthma clinics or pulmonologists in the area, even if limited, would significantly enhance the score, as they offer focused expertise in asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, offers a powerful tool for improving asthma care, particularly in underserved areas. Remote consultations can reduce the need for travel, especially for routine check-ups and medication adjustments. Telemedicine can also provide access to specialists who might not be available locally. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, and utilizing remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters connected to smartphones) would receive a higher score. The Asthma Score must reflect the degree to which technology is integrated into the delivery of asthma care in Davis.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Integrated care models, where mental health services are readily available within the primary care setting, are highly beneficial. The Asthma Score must consider the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the local healthcare system. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would contribute positively to the score. The integration of mental health services directly impacts the comprehensive care available to asthma patients.

Identifying standout practices in Davis is essential for providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer comprehensive asthma management programs, actively utilize telemedicine, and integrate mental health services would be recognized as high-performing. These practices serve as models for other providers and can significantly improve the overall Asthma Score for the community. The analysis must identify and highlight these positive examples.

The Asthma Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contributions of all these factors. The weighting assigned to each factor would depend on its relative importance in determining the overall quality and accessibility of asthma care. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources would also carry significant weight, recognizing their contribution to comprehensive care. The final Asthma Score would be a numerical value, with higher scores indicating better access and quality of care.

To arrive at a comprehensive Asthma Score, a thorough data collection process is required. This would involve:

* **Data Gathering:** Collecting data from the DHHR, the U.S. Census Bureau, local healthcare providers (physicians, clinics, hospitals), and insurance providers.
* **Practice Surveys:** Conducting surveys of local medical practices to gather information on physician availability, appointment scheduling, telemedicine adoption, and mental health service integration.
* **Patient Interviews:** Interviewing asthma patients in Davis to gather their perspectives on access to care, satisfaction with their providers, and any challenges they face in managing their condition.

This data would be analyzed to calculate the Asthma Score, providing a valuable tool for assessing the state of asthma care in Davis, WV. The score would serve as a benchmark for monitoring progress, identifying areas for improvement, and informing future healthcare initiatives.

The final analysis would not only provide a numerical score but also a narrative description of the healthcare landscape in Davis. This would include identifying specific challenges, highlighting best practices, and offering recommendations for improving asthma care. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to enhance the health and well-being of individuals with asthma in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Davis, WV, and surrounding areas, including the location of medical practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective, allowing you to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in access.