26361, Gypsy, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26361, Gypsy, West Virginia is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26361 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 26361 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26361. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 11 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,884 health care providers accessible to residents in 26361, Gypsy, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26361 & Gypsy, WV

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for asthma management within ZIP code 26361, encompassing the community of Gypsy, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate key factors impacting asthma care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration. It will then synthesize these elements into an Asthma Score, providing a nuanced understanding of the current landscape.

The foundation of effective asthma care rests upon the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 26361 is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often grapple with a shortage of healthcare professionals. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Determining the exact ratio requires data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau, cross-referenced to estimate the population served by each practicing PCP within the ZIP code. A higher ratio would negatively impact the Asthma Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices play a significant role. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working families? Do they have a dedicated asthma management program? Practices actively promoting asthma education, providing individualized action plans, and offering readily available peak flow meters would score favorably. Conversely, practices lacking these resources would detract from the overall score. Investigating the availability of certified asthma educators within the practices is also critical, as these specialists can provide invaluable support and guidance to patients.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with their physicians remotely. This is particularly beneficial for asthma management, where regular check-ins and medication adjustments are often necessary. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and even initial consultations would receive a higher score. The ability to remotely monitor a patient’s lung function through connected devices would further enhance the score. The lack of telemedicine options would significantly lower the score, especially considering the potential for improved access to care.

The complex interplay between asthma and mental health necessitates careful consideration. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore essential. Are there readily accessible therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists? Do primary care practices have integrated behavioral health services or referral pathways to mental health professionals? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and offer integrated care would positively influence the Asthma Score. Limited access to mental health support would negatively impact the score, as it can exacerbate asthma symptoms and overall patient well-being.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is a critical component of the analysis. Practices demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive asthma care, including robust patient education, proactive management strategies, and readily available resources, deserve recognition. These practices might be characterized by a high patient satisfaction rate, a low rate of asthma-related hospitalizations, and a proactive approach to patient education and self-management. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and provide valuable information for patients seeking quality asthma care. The presence of a practice with a dedicated asthma clinic would be a significant positive factor.

The Asthma Score itself would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contributions of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration would each be assigned a weight based on their relative importance. A formula would then be applied to generate a final score, which could be represented on a scale (e.g., 0-100). A higher score would indicate better access to and quality of asthma care within the ZIP code. The score would be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare availability and practice practices over time.

For the community of Gypsy, within ZIP code 26361, the analysis would require a deep dive into local resources. Due to the rural nature of the area, access to care may be limited, potentially impacting the Asthma Score negatively. The analysis would assess the availability of transportation options to reach healthcare providers, as this can be a significant barrier for some residents. It would also investigate the presence of community health programs or initiatives focused on asthma education and management. The analysis would consider the socio-economic factors of the Gypsy community, as poverty and lack of insurance can also impact access to care and influence the Asthma Score.

Data collection for this analysis would involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the US Census Bureau would be utilized. Direct outreach to local healthcare providers through surveys and interviews would be essential to gather specific information about practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration. Patient feedback and reviews, if available, would also be incorporated to provide a more holistic perspective.

The final Asthma Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the asthma care landscape in ZIP code 26361 and the Gypsy community. It would identify areas of strength and weakness, informing efforts to improve access to care and enhance the quality of asthma management. The analysis would not only benefit patients seeking care but also healthcare providers and policymakers striving to optimize healthcare resources and address health disparities within the community.

To gain a comprehensive, visual understanding of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26361, including the location of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, enabling you to identify potential gaps in care and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.