26270, Harman, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26270, Harman, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.63 percent of the residents in 26270 has some form of health insurance. 69.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.72 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 26270 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 66 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26270. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 426 health care providers accessible to residents in 26270, Harman, West Virginia.

The analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within the Harman, West Virginia (ZIP code 26270) area. The objective is to assess the landscape of healthcare resources available to individuals managing asthma, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions.

The foundation of any asthma score analysis in this rural setting begins with the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is critical in determining access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impede timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing asthma management. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) designates areas with insufficient primary care physicians as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The presence of an HPSA designation for Harman or its surrounding areas would significantly impact the asthma score. The analysis would scrutinize the availability of primary care physicians, pulmonologists (specialists in lung health), and allergists (specialists in allergies, a common asthma trigger) within a reasonable commuting distance. The analysis would consider the number of physicians actively practicing, their specialties, and their patient load.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis delves into the characteristics of the existing practices. Are the practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with modern diagnostic tools like spirometry (a test to measure lung function)? Do they offer after-hours care or weekend appointments? Practices that prioritize patient education, provide asthma action plans, and offer comprehensive asthma management programs would receive higher scores. The analysis would also consider the presence of certified asthma educators within the practices, as these individuals play a crucial role in patient empowerment and self-management.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the asthma score. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas where access to in-person care may be limited. Practices that offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and asthma education would score higher. The analysis would investigate the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall asthma care plan.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in asthma management, yet they are crucial. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can worsen asthma symptoms and overall quality of life. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health services within the practices or through referrals. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their asthma care would receive higher scores. The analysis would also consider the presence of support groups or educational programs addressing the psychological aspects of asthma.

Standout practices within the area would be identified based on their commitment to comprehensive asthma care. These practices would likely demonstrate a combination of factors, including a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, acceptance of new patients, modern diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The analysis would highlight the specific strengths of these practices, serving as examples of best practices for asthma management in the Harman area. The assessment would consider patient reviews and feedback to gain insight into the patient experience.

The analysis would also explore the availability of emergency care resources, such as local hospitals and urgent care clinics. The proximity and accessibility of these resources are critical for managing asthma exacerbations. The analysis would consider the staffing levels, equipment, and expertise of these facilities in treating asthma emergencies. The availability of asthma-specific protocols and guidelines within these facilities would also be assessed.

The final asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 26270 would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its relative importance in asthma management. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialists would likely be weighted heavily. The score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the asthma care landscape in the Harman area, identifying strengths and weaknesses and highlighting areas for improvement.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence asthma outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and inadequate housing conditions can exacerbate asthma symptoms and hinder access to care. The analysis would consider the prevalence of these factors in the Harman area and their potential impact on the asthma score. This would inform recommendations for addressing social determinants of health and improving asthma outcomes.

The final report would include specific recommendations for improving asthma care in the Harman area. These recommendations could include strategies for increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, integrating mental health resources, and addressing social determinants of health. The recommendations would be tailored to the specific needs of the community and would be actionable and feasible.

The analysis would also consider the role of community organizations and advocacy groups in asthma management. These organizations can provide valuable support to patients and families, offering education, resources, and advocacy. The analysis would assess the presence and activities of these organizations in the Harman area and their contribution to asthma care.

The overall goal of this asthma score analysis is to provide a comprehensive and insightful assessment of the asthma care landscape in the Harman area. The analysis will identify areas of strength and weakness, offering recommendations for improvement and ultimately aiming to improve the health and well-being of individuals living with asthma.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing asthma outcomes in the Harman area, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of data, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that may not be apparent through traditional analysis.