26276, Kerens, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.43 percent of the residents in 26276 has some form of health insurance. 33.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.14 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 26276 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26276. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 195 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 472 health care providers accessible to residents in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26276 and Primary Care in Kerens, West Virginia**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 26276, encompassing the town of Kerens, West Virginia, evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive resources. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the "Asthma Score" for this specific geographic area, considering the unique challenges of a rural setting.

The foundation of any asthma score assessment lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Kerens, being a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a potential shortage of PCPs and specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Without readily available data specific to 26276, we must rely on broader regional statistics. West Virginia consistently faces a shortage of physicians compared to the national average. This scarcity directly impacts asthma management, as timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed interventions, and increased risk of exacerbations for asthma sufferers.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the available practices are important. Are there practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying schedules? Do they have experience in treating asthma patients? The presence of board-certified pulmonologists or allergists within a reasonable driving distance significantly enhances the asthma score. These specialists provide advanced diagnostic capabilities, specialized treatments, and expertise in managing complex asthma cases. The lack of such specialists in close proximity would negatively impact the score, forcing patients to travel longer distances for specialized care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a crucial element of improving healthcare access in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication management guidance through telehealth platforms can bridge geographical barriers. Practices in 26276 that actively utilize telemedicine, particularly for asthma management, would receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and asthma education sessions. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improve patient adherence to treatment plans, and enhance overall asthma control.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital component of a comprehensive asthma score. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms and reduce treatment adherence. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, would receive a more favorable score. This could involve on-site mental health professionals, partnerships with local mental health providers, or referrals to specialized programs.

Furthermore, the availability of asthma education and support programs impacts the score. Practices that provide patients with education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, self-management strategies, and emergency action plans are contributing to improved patient outcomes. These programs can empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks and hospitalizations. The presence of certified asthma educators or respiratory therapists within the practice would be a significant advantage.

The standout practices within 26276, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive asthma care. This includes practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, offering extended hours, actively utilizing telemedicine, integrating mental health resources, and providing robust asthma education programs. These practices would be the "stars" in the asthma score assessment, setting a positive example for others in the area.

In the absence of specific practice-level data, it's difficult to definitively rank individual practices. However, the overall asthma score for 26276 is likely negatively impacted by the challenges of rural healthcare. The scarcity of physicians, limited access to specialists, and potential lack of telemedicine adoption and mental health resources all contribute to a lower score. Improving the asthma score requires a concerted effort to address these challenges.

This could involve recruiting more physicians to the area, expanding telemedicine capabilities, increasing access to mental health services, and implementing comprehensive asthma education programs. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is crucial to improve the quality of asthma care in Kerens and other rural communities.

To gain a more granular understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of healthcare resources within ZIP Code 26276, consider utilizing advanced mapping tools. CartoChrome maps offers powerful visualization capabilities that can help you identify healthcare deserts, assess physician density, and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare services. This information can inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and efforts to improve healthcare access for asthma patients and the community at large.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in 26276, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.