26638, Shock, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26638, Shock, West Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.64 percent of the residents in 26638 has some form of health insurance. 78.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.87 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 26638 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26638. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 234 health care providers accessible to residents in 26638, Shock, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26638 and Primary Care Availability in Shock**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility, particularly for conditions like asthma, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 26638, a geographical area, and the broader context of "Shock," presumably referring to a county or region. The primary goal is to assess the availability and quality of primary care, crucial for asthma management, and to highlight specific aspects like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, meaning a small number of doctors serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care. Determining the exact ratio for 26638 requires accessing data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This data would need to be combined with information on the number of practicing primary care physicians within the zip code. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a potential challenge in accessing timely primary care, which is especially problematic for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma.

Within 26638, identifying standout primary care practices is essential. These practices may demonstrate excellence in asthma management through various means. This could include a high percentage of patients with controlled asthma, adherence to national guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. Researching local healthcare providers, reviewing patient testimonials, and consulting with regional healthcare organizations can help identify these exemplary practices. Factors to consider include the availability of specialized asthma education, access to spirometry testing (a lung function test), and the presence of a dedicated asthma management program.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, and its adoption rate within 26638 is a key factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent to which primary care physicians in the zip code offer telehealth services, such as virtual consultations and remote monitoring, is crucial. Practices that have embraced telemedicine may be better equipped to manage asthma patients, providing convenient follow-up appointments, medication refills, and education. Examining the availability of telehealth services for asthma-specific needs, such as virtual asthma education classes or remote monitoring of peak flow meters, would provide further insight.

Mental health is inextricably linked to asthma management. Asthma can be a source of stress and anxiety, and these mental health issues can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within 26638 is a significant consideration. This includes the presence of mental health professionals in primary care practices, referrals to mental health specialists, and access to mental health support groups or programs. Practices that integrate mental health services into their asthma care models are likely to provide more comprehensive and effective care.

The concept of "Shock" introduces a broader regional context. Assessing primary care availability in Shock requires understanding the overall healthcare landscape of the area. This includes the distribution of primary care physicians, the presence of hospitals and specialty clinics, and the availability of transportation to healthcare facilities. If Shock is a rural area, access to primary care may be limited, potentially impacting asthma patients' ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

In Shock, the presence of community health centers or Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) is a positive factor. These centers often provide comprehensive primary care services, including asthma management, to underserved populations. Evaluating the accessibility and quality of care provided by these centers is important for understanding the overall healthcare landscape.

Furthermore, the availability of emergency medical services (EMS) within Shock is a crucial element. Asthma exacerbations can be life-threatening, and prompt access to EMS is essential for managing severe asthma attacks. Assessing the response times of EMS, the availability of asthma-specific protocols, and the training of EMS personnel in asthma management are all important considerations.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) among primary care practices within 26638 and Shock is a critical factor. EHRs can improve care coordination, allowing physicians to easily share patient information and track asthma management progress. Practices that use EHRs effectively may be better equipped to monitor asthma control, adjust treatment plans, and provide timely interventions.

The availability of asthma-specific education resources for patients is another important consideration. This includes access to educational materials, asthma action plans, and self-management training programs. Practices that prioritize patient education can empower patients to take an active role in managing their asthma, leading to improved outcomes.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on asthma management cannot be ignored. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and inadequate housing can all contribute to poor asthma control. Analyzing the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within 26638 and Shock is essential for understanding the challenges faced by asthma patients. Practices that are aware of these challenges and provide culturally sensitive care are more likely to be successful in managing asthma.

In conclusion, evaluating asthma care in 26638 and the broader context of Shock requires a comprehensive assessment of various factors. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. By analyzing these factors, it is possible to identify areas of strength and weakness and to develop strategies for improving asthma care in the region.

For a deeper dive into visualizing the healthcare landscape of 26638 and Shock, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps offer a powerful way to understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement.