26347, Flemington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26347, Flemington, West Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.86 percent of the residents in 26347 has some form of health insurance. 43.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.85 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 26347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 737 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 312 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,628 health care providers accessible to residents in 26347, Flemington, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses asthma care within ZIP code 26347, focusing on primary care availability in Flemington, West Virginia. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive asthma management.

Flemington, nestled within Taylor County, faces the challenges common to rural healthcare settings. One primary concern is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, the area likely experiences a lower density of primary care physicians compared to more urbanized regions. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying timely intervention for asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, the availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, who are essential for managing complex asthma cases, may be limited, requiring patients to travel significant distances for specialized care. This geographical constraint can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals living with asthma.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into individual clinic performance. We must examine factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to asthma guidelines, and the utilization of evidence-based treatments. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on asthma triggers, medication management, and proper inhaler technique, are likely to demonstrate superior patient outcomes. Furthermore, clinics that offer comprehensive asthma action plans, tailored to individual patient needs, are vital. These plans empower patients to proactively manage their condition and respond effectively to worsening symptoms. The analysis would also consider the adoption of innovative technologies.

Telemedicine holds particular promise in addressing healthcare access challenges in rural areas like Flemington. Its implementation allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. For asthma patients, telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and medication adjustments. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. The success of telemedicine hinges on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the willingness of physicians to embrace this mode of practice.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities, and untreated mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of comprehensive asthma care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and offer referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

Evaluating the asthma score for doctors in ZIP code 26347 requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves gathering data from various sources, including patient surveys, medical records, and public health data. Analyzing this information allows for a comprehensive assessment of asthma care quality. The analysis would consider the following key indicators: the percentage of patients with controlled asthma, the frequency of asthma-related emergency room visits, and the rate of hospitalizations. Furthermore, it would examine the utilization of preventive medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and the adherence to asthma guidelines.

The presence of a robust patient education program is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to asthma management. This includes providing patients with information on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and the importance of medication adherence. Practices that offer group education sessions, individual counseling, and written materials are likely to have better patient outcomes. Another important factor is the availability of a comprehensive asthma action plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with the patient, outlines the steps to take in response to worsening symptoms, including medication adjustments and when to seek medical attention.

The analysis would also consider the availability of specialized asthma care. While Flemington may not have a large number of pulmonologists, access to specialists through referral networks is crucial. Practices that have established relationships with pulmonologists and other specialists can ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care. Furthermore, the use of advanced diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, is essential for accurately assessing lung function and monitoring asthma control. Practices that regularly perform spirometry and use the results to guide treatment decisions are likely to provide better care.

In addition to clinical factors, the analysis would also consider patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Practices that consistently receive high patient satisfaction scores are likely to be providing a positive patient experience. This includes factors such as the ease of scheduling appointments, the friendliness of staff, and the clarity of communication. Practices that actively solicit and respond to patient feedback demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

The integration of technology is transforming healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, as discussed, is a crucial component. Electronic health records (EHRs) can improve care coordination and facilitate the sharing of information between providers. Practices that use EHRs effectively can track patient data, monitor asthma control, and identify patients who may be at risk for exacerbations. Furthermore, the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps can empower patients to self-manage their asthma. These apps can track symptoms, medication adherence, and environmental triggers.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, and untreated mental health issues can worsen asthma control. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and offer referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices.

The overall "Asthma Score" for doctors in ZIP code 26347, and the assessment of primary care availability in Flemington, is a complex undertaking. It relies on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The final score reflects a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance asthma care in the community.

Are you interested in visualizing the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and patient outcomes in Flemington and surrounding areas? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights into healthcare access and asthma management.