26591, Worthington, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.94 percent of the residents in 26591 has some form of health insurance. 32.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.60 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 26591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 326 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 828 health care providers accessible to residents in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia.

The assessment of asthma care within ZIP Code 26591, encompassing Worthington, necessitates a multifaceted approach. We will analyze the available data, focusing on key indicators such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of asthma care and primary care availability in this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a greater availability of physicians, potentially improving patient outcomes. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, alongside publicly available physician directories, will be used to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. We must consider the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and pulmonologists, both crucial in managing asthma. The specific population of Worthington, derived from the U.S. Census Bureau, will be factored in to determine the ratio accurately. Any significant disparity from the national average will warrant further investigation, potentially indicating areas of concern or opportunity for improvement.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the quality of asthma management protocols, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in asthma care often implement evidence-based guidelines, provide patient education, and proactively manage exacerbations. We will examine patient reviews, practice websites, and if possible, contact practices directly to gather information on their asthma management strategies. The presence of certified asthma educators, the availability of pulmonary function testing, and the integration of asthma action plans are key indicators of quality care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement will be recognized as leaders in asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a way to provide remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who may require frequent monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in 26591 utilize telemedicine platforms. This will involve examining practice websites, contacting practices to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities, and reviewing any available data on telemedicine utilization rates. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as peak flow meters with digital connectivity, will also be considered. A high level of telemedicine adoption suggests a commitment to improving access to care and providing convenient options for patients.

The integration of mental health resources is crucial for asthma patients. Asthma is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to mental health services are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and the broader community. This includes assessing whether practices have mental health professionals on staff, offer referrals to mental health specialists, and provide resources for managing stress and anxiety. The integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care.

Primary care availability in Worthington is directly linked to asthma management. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The availability of PCPs, therefore, significantly impacts access to care. We will examine the number of PCPs practicing in Worthington, their appointment availability, and their willingness to accept new patients. The analysis will also consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, ensuring that patients have convenient access to care. Any shortages of PCPs or limitations in access to care will be noted, highlighting potential challenges for asthma patients.

The specific data collection process will involve several steps. First, we will compile a list of all physicians practicing within ZIP Code 26591 using online directories, insurance provider databases, and local hospital websites. Second, we will contact each practice to gather information on their asthma management protocols, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resources. Third, we will analyze patient reviews and satisfaction scores to assess the quality of care provided. Fourth, we will use U.S. Census data to determine the population of Worthington and calculate the physician-to-patient ratios. Finally, we will synthesize the collected data to produce an asthma score analysis, ranking the practices based on their performance across the key indicators.

The final asthma score analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of asthma care and primary care availability in Worthington. The analysis will identify strengths and weaknesses in the current system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. The findings will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing actionable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The analysis will serve as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and improve asthma care in this specific geographic area.

The assessment will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma care. Factors such as income, education, and access to transportation can significantly influence a patient's ability to manage their asthma effectively. The analysis will consider the socioeconomic profile of Worthington and assess how these factors may impact access to care and patient outcomes. This will involve examining data on poverty rates, educational attainment, and transportation availability. The goal is to identify any disparities in care and to develop strategies to address these disparities.

The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources for asthma patients. This includes support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. The analysis will assess the extent to which these resources are available in Worthington and how well they are integrated into the healthcare system. The goal is to ensure that patients have access to the resources they need to effectively manage their asthma.

Finally, the analysis will provide recommendations for improving asthma care in Worthington. These recommendations will be based on the findings of the analysis and will be tailored to the specific needs of the community. The recommendations may include suggestions for improving physician-to-patient ratios, enhancing telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health resources, and increasing access to community resources. The goal is to provide actionable steps that can be taken to improve the quality of asthma care and patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within ZIP Code 26591, including physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Their platform can help you visualize the findings of this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the asthma care landscape in Worthington.