26587, Rachel, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26587, Rachel, West Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.42 percent of the residents in 26587 has some form of health insurance. 41.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.37 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 26587 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26587. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,071 health care providers accessible to residents in 26587, Rachel, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Rachel, WV (ZIP Code 26587)

The health of a community, particularly concerning chronic conditions like asthma, is a complex interplay of factors. This analysis delves into the landscape of asthma care within Rachel, West Virginia (ZIP code 26587), examining the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, and related resources. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering various aspects of care delivery to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Rachel, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. Limited access to specialists, a smaller pool of healthcare providers, and potential transportation difficulties can all impact asthma management. The "Asthma Score" is not a single number but rather a composite evaluation based on the following criteria: access to primary care, physician density, adoption of innovative technologies, and integration of mental health services.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician Density:**

The cornerstone of effective asthma management is consistent primary care. Regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education are crucial for controlling the condition. Assessing primary care availability requires understanding the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the area and the patient population they serve. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can indicate longer wait times, potentially reduced appointment durations, and less individualized care.

Data on physician density in Rachel is crucial. Information from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local healthcare providers would be needed to accurately determine the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code. This information, coupled with census data on the population of Rachel, would allow for a calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A ratio significantly higher than the national average could indicate a shortage of PCPs, potentially hindering access to timely asthma care.

**Standout Practices and Care Models:**

Identifying standout practices within Rachel requires a deeper dive into their operational models. Are there any practices that are particularly patient-centered? Do they offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day access for urgent asthma concerns? The implementation of patient portals, allowing patients to access their medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with their physicians, can significantly improve care coordination and patient engagement.

Furthermore, investigating the use of evidence-based asthma management guidelines is crucial. Are practices adhering to the latest recommendations from organizations like the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)? Do they have established protocols for asthma action plans, medication adjustments, and patient education? Practices that proactively address these aspects of asthma care deserve recognition and can serve as models for others in the community.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve asthma care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can help overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with their physicians via video conferencing, receive remote monitoring, and access educational resources. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption in Rachel is essential. Are local practices offering telehealth appointments? Are they utilizing remote monitoring devices to track patients' asthma symptoms and medication adherence?

The availability of telehealth services can be a game-changer for asthma patients in Rachel. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available in the community.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Asthma, being a chronic illness, can significantly impact mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among asthma patients. Therefore, the integration of mental health services into asthma care is crucial. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Rachel is a key component of the "Asthma Score."

Are local practices equipped to screen patients for mental health concerns? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The presence of mental health therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists in the community is vital. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers can lead to more holistic and effective asthma management.

**The "Asthma Score" – A Synthesis:**

The "Asthma Score" for Rachel, WV (ZIP code 26587) is not a simple number. It is a composite evaluation based on the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate strong primary care availability, favorable physician-to-patient ratios, widespread adoption of telemedicine, and seamless integration of mental health services. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in these areas, highlighting areas for improvement.

The final score would be based on a comprehensive assessment of the data gathered. Data collection would involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and CMS, and potentially conducting patient surveys to gather feedback on their experiences with asthma care. The "Asthma Score" would serve as a benchmark for evaluating the quality and accessibility of asthma care in Rachel and identifying areas where resources and interventions are most needed.

**Visualizing the Data with CartoChrome Maps:**

Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. CartoChrome Maps provides a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital locations, and the prevalence of asthma. By using CartoChrome Maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members can gain a better understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rachel and identify areas where access to care is limited.

**Call to Action:**

Explore the power of CartoChrome Maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation in Rachel, WV, and beyond. Contact us today to learn how CartoChrome Maps can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, improving patient outcomes and strengthening your community.