26386, Lumberport, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26386, Lumberport, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.25 percent of the residents in 26386 has some form of health insurance. 50.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.12 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 26386 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 714 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26386. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 291 health care providers accessible to residents in 26386, Lumberport, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Lumberport, WV (ZIP Code 26386)

Lumberport, West Virginia, nestled in Harrison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when evaluating asthma care access and quality. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care, a crucial factor in asthma management, within the 26386 ZIP code. We’ll assess the landscape through the lens of an “Asthma Score,” indirectly gauging the likelihood of effective asthma control for residents. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of a comprehensive asthma care strategy.

The foundation of effective asthma management rests on accessible and responsive primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Lumberport and the surrounding areas is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more readily available healthcare system, promoting proactive asthma management and better patient outcomes. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio for 26386 requires accessing data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. This data, coupled with information on the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code, provides a baseline for evaluating access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices in Lumberport significantly influences the Asthma Score. Identifying “standout practices” involves examining factors like physician experience, patient reviews, and the availability of specialized asthma care. Does the practice employ board-certified allergists or pulmonologists? Do they offer comprehensive asthma education programs? Do they have a strong track record of successful asthma control, as evidenced by patient outcomes and satisfaction surveys? Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas would contribute positively to the overall Asthma Score, signifying a higher likelihood of receiving quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape, particularly for managing chronic conditions like asthma. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote consultations, medication refills, and virtual asthma education sessions, increasing access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in 26386 requires investigating whether they offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools (like peak flow meters that transmit data), and secure messaging platforms for patient communication. Practices embracing telemedicine would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to accessible and convenient care.

The connection between asthma and mental health is increasingly recognized. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Conversely, psychological distress can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. Evaluating the Asthma Score involves determining whether primary care practices in Lumberport offer in-house mental health services, partner with mental health professionals, or have established referral pathways for patients needing psychological support. Practices prioritizing mental health integration would significantly boost their score.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score would also factor in the availability of asthma-specific resources within the community. Are there support groups for asthma patients? Does the local health department offer asthma education programs or resources? Are there readily available pharmacies that stock necessary asthma medications and devices? The presence of these community resources complements the care provided by primary care physicians, contributing to a more holistic approach to asthma management and positively impacting the Asthma Score.

Analyzing the practices in Lumberport requires a deep dive into the specifics of each practice. This includes examining their staffing, their use of technology, their partnerships with specialists, and their commitment to patient education and support. This analysis would need to be regularly updated, as healthcare practices are constantly evolving.

The overall Asthma Score for Lumberport, 26386, is a composite measure reflecting the availability and quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of community support systems. A higher score suggests a more favorable environment for effective asthma management, while a lower score indicates potential challenges in accessing and receiving optimal care. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and advocate for better asthma care resources within the community.

This analysis underscores the importance of data-driven insights in assessing healthcare access and quality. Understanding the specific strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in Lumberport is crucial for improving the lives of asthma patients. The ability to visualize this data geographically provides additional context and allows for targeted interventions.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lumberport and beyond, consider exploring the power of spatial data visualization. Leverage the capabilities of CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability within ZIP codes like 26386. CartoChrome maps can transform complex data into actionable insights, empowering healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to make informed decisions and improve asthma care outcomes.