26376, Ireland, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26376, Ireland, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.71 percent of the residents in 26376 has some form of health insurance. 74.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 12.96 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 26376 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 226 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26376. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 69 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 340 health care providers accessible to residents in 26376, Ireland, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26376 & Primary Care in Ireland

This analysis examines the quality of asthma care available to residents of ZIP Code 26376 in West Virginia and compares it to the primary care landscape in Ireland. The aim is to provide an 'Asthma Score' assessment, considering factors crucial for effective asthma management, including physician accessibility, resource availability, and the integration of innovative healthcare solutions.

**ZIP Code 26376, West Virginia: A Focus on Accessibility and Resources**

Evaluating asthma care in ZIP Code 26376 begins with understanding the local physician landscape. This rural area likely faces challenges common to underserved communities, particularly concerning physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, meaning a limited number of doctors available to a large population, can significantly impact access to timely appointments, follow-up care, and specialist consultations – all critical for effective asthma management.

The availability of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is a crucial indicator. While primary care physicians (PCPs) often manage asthma, access to a pulmonologist is vital for patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma. The analysis considers the proximity of pulmonology practices, the time required to secure appointments, and the availability of specialized diagnostic tools like spirometry.

Beyond physician availability, the analysis considers the presence of ancillary resources. Are there pharmacies readily accessible to patients, ensuring timely medication refills? Are there asthma education programs offered locally, empowering patients with the knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively? The availability of these resources directly impacts the Asthma Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural area, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to consultations and monitoring services. The analysis examines the extent to which local practices offer telehealth options, including remote monitoring of peak flow meters and virtual asthma education sessions.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential for asthma management. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety and depression. The analysis investigates the availability of mental health services within the local healthcare system, including access to therapists and psychiatrists who understand the complexities of asthma.

**Primary Care in Ireland: A Broader Perspective**

The assessment of primary care in Ireland offers a broader perspective on asthma care. Ireland's healthcare system, while publicly funded, presents a different set of challenges and opportunities compared to the US system. The analysis focuses on several key areas.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Ireland is a critical starting point. The availability of GPs (General Practitioners) is a significant factor in determining access to primary care. A high ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder the timely diagnosis and management of asthma.

The structure of the Irish healthcare system, including the role of primary care centers, is examined. These centers often provide a range of services, including asthma clinics, nurse-led care, and access to allied health professionals. The analysis considers the accessibility and quality of these services.

The availability of specialist referrals is another key aspect. While GPs often manage asthma, access to respiratory specialists is crucial for patients with complex needs. The analysis investigates the referral pathways and the waiting times for specialist consultations.

Telemedicine adoption in Ireland is also considered. The analysis assesses the extent to which GPs and specialists are utilizing telemedicine to provide remote consultations, monitoring services, and patient education.

Mental health resources are also evaluated in the Irish context. The analysis examines the integration of mental health services within primary care, including access to therapists and counselors who can support patients with asthma-related mental health concerns.

**Comparative Assessment and Scoring**

The Asthma Score analysis for both locations is based on a composite of the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weighted value based on its importance in effective asthma management. The analysis will use a scoring system, assigning points based on the availability, accessibility, and quality of each factor.

For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the widespread adoption of telemedicine would positively influence it. The availability of asthma education programs and mental health services would also contribute to the overall score.

**Standout Practices and Innovations**

The analysis also identifies any standout practices or innovative approaches to asthma care in either location. This could include clinics with specialized asthma programs, practices utilizing cutting-edge technology for asthma monitoring, or healthcare providers demonstrating exceptional patient outcomes.

**Conclusion**

This Asthma Score analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the quality of asthma care in ZIP Code 26376 and Ireland. By considering physician accessibility, resource availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, the analysis offers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare systems in both locations.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to visualize physician locations, specialist availability, and other critical data points, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving asthma care.