26354, Grafton, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26354, Grafton, West Virginia is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.76 percent of the residents in 26354 has some form of health insurance. 48.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.46 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 26354 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,882 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26354. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,033 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,826 health care providers accessible to residents in 26354, Grafton, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Grafton, WV (ZIP Code 26354)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in Grafton, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, access to telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to an "Asthma Score" that reflects the quality and accessibility of care. The ZIP code 26354 serves as the primary geographical focus, with a specific emphasis on primary care availability.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical determinant of access. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall physician density in rural areas like Grafton is often lower than in urban centers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing providers. The Asthma Score will reflect this challenge, acknowledging the potential for delayed care due to limited physician availability. A lower physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while a higher ratio, indicating more readily accessible providers, would positively influence it.

Evaluating standout practices necessitates a deep dive into their operational models and patient care strategies. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to asthma management through specialized programs, patient education, and proactive disease monitoring will receive higher marks. This includes assessing the availability of certified asthma educators, the implementation of asthma action plans tailored to individual patients, and the utilization of spirometry and other diagnostic tools. The Asthma Score will reward practices that actively participate in asthma-related community outreach programs, such as free screenings or educational seminars.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. For individuals with asthma, telemedicine offers a vital avenue for remote consultations, medication management, and symptom monitoring. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, will be favorably evaluated. This includes assessing the ease of access to telemedicine platforms, the availability of remote monitoring devices (e.g., peak flow meters), and the integration of telemedicine into the overall asthma care plan. A high Asthma Score will reflect the seamless integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health integration is also considered. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health resources, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, will receive higher scores. This includes assessing the availability of mental health screenings, the integration of mental health services into the asthma care plan, and the promotion of patient support groups.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 26354 will be assessed based on the criteria mentioned above. The analysis will scrutinize the practices' websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information to gather data. The Asthma Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors.

The evaluation will also consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Grafton. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and referrals to specialists. The analysis will assess the number of PCPs available, their wait times for appointments, and their willingness to provide asthma care. A higher availability of PCPs, coupled with shorter wait times, will positively influence the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, who are crucial for managing complex asthma cases. The proximity of these specialists to Grafton and the ease of access to their services will be factored into the Asthma Score. Longer travel times and limited specialist availability will negatively impact the score.

The integration of technology, beyond telemedicine, will also be considered. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient care, facilitate communication, and improve medication management will be viewed favorably. The Asthma Score will reflect the practice's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance patient outcomes.

The availability of after-hours care is another important consideration. Asthma symptoms can arise at any time, and access to prompt medical attention is crucial. Practices that offer after-hours care, either through on-call physicians or partnerships with urgent care clinics, will receive higher marks.

The analysis will also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Asthma is a chronic condition that requires active patient participation in their own care. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education materials, offer asthma management workshops, and encourage patient self-management will be viewed favorably. The Asthma Score will reflect the practice's commitment to empowering patients to take control of their asthma.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for doctors in ZIP Code 26354 and primary care availability in Grafton will be a comprehensive assessment, reflecting the quality, accessibility, and integration of various factors related to asthma care. The final score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

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