26574, Grant Town, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26574, Grant Town, West Virginia is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.76 percent of the residents in 26574 has some form of health insurance. 48.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.27 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 26574 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26574. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,379 health care providers accessible to residents in 26574, Grant Town, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26574 and Primary Care in Grant Town, WV**

Analyzing healthcare access, particularly for conditions like asthma, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and associated resources within ZIP code 26574, encompassing the town of Grant Town, West Virginia, to assess the potential for effective asthma management. This assessment will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight any standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and consider the availability of mental health resources, all critical factors in providing comprehensive care.

The core challenge in Grant Town, like many rural communities, is likely the limited number of healthcare providers. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing real-time data, which is often proprietary. However, a general understanding can be gleaned from publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. These sources can indicate whether the area is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). A HPSA designation would immediately signal a deficiency in primary care, impacting access for asthma patients and all residents.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of existing primary care practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices involves considering several factors. First, the practice's acceptance of insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, is crucial for a community with a potentially high percentage of patients relying on these programs. Second, the practice's patient satisfaction ratings, often available through online reviews or patient surveys, provide insight into the quality of care and the patient experience. Third, the practice’s ability to provide extended hours or weekend appointments, which can be especially important for managing asthma exacerbations, could be a significant advantage.

Telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve asthma care in areas with limited access to specialists. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation limitations. A practice that actively utilizes telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education would receive a higher score in this analysis. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters that transmit data to the physician, would further enhance the telemedicine capabilities and improve asthma management.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression can worsen asthma symptoms, and the chronic nature of the condition can contribute to mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive asthma care. This analysis considers the presence of on-site mental health professionals within primary care practices or easy referral pathways to mental health services. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing integrated care and addressing the holistic needs of patients.

Specific practices within ZIP code 26574 would need to be individually evaluated. This evaluation would involve researching their websites, contacting them directly, and reviewing publicly available data. This research would look for evidence of the factors discussed above: insurance acceptance, patient satisfaction, extended hours, telemedicine utilization, and mental health integration.

For instance, a practice that offers same-day appointments for acute asthma exacerbations, employs a certified asthma educator, and provides telemedicine consultations would be considered a standout. Conversely, a practice with long wait times, limited insurance acceptance, and no apparent mental health resources would receive a lower score.

The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, is also crucial for asthma management. While primary care physicians can manage many asthma cases, patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma often require specialized care. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral from primary care physicians are significant factors in the overall assessment.

In conclusion, evaluating the effectiveness of asthma care in Grant Town and ZIP code 26574 requires a detailed assessment of primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by existing practices, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health services are all critical factors. The presence of specialists and the ease of referral are also important. A practice that excels in all these areas would be well-positioned to provide effective asthma care. The absence of these resources would negatively impact the asthma score.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialists, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for asthma care in Grant Town and the surrounding areas.