26651, Summersville, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26651, Summersville, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.27 percent of the residents in 26651 has some form of health insurance. 53.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.32 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 26651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,071 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26651. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,091 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 345 health care providers accessible to residents in 26651, Summersville, West Virginia.

Asthma management within ZIP Code 26651, encompassing Summersville, West Virginia, presents a multifaceted challenge. Evaluating physician availability, particularly primary care, alongside the integration of modern healthcare practices, reveals a nuanced picture. An ‘Asthma Score’ analysis, though not a formal metric, can be constructed by examining key factors impacting patient care. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial elements for effective asthma management.

Summersville, a rural community, likely experiences a physician shortage, a common issue in underserved areas. Calculating a precise physician-to-patient ratio is difficult without access to real-time, comprehensive data. However, publicly available information suggests a potential deficit, especially concerning primary care physicians (PCPs), who often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all negatively impacting asthma control. The lack of specialists, such as pulmonologists, further exacerbates the situation, forcing patients to travel significant distances for specialized treatment.

Identifying "standout practices" requires assessing the quality of care offered by existing medical facilities. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, asthma control rates, adherence to established asthma guidelines, and the availability of comprehensive asthma education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide personalized treatment plans, and offer readily accessible resources are likely to achieve better outcomes. Further research into the specific practices within Summersville, examining their commitment to these elements, is essential to determine their effectiveness in asthma management.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in improving healthcare access in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing the frequency of follow-up appointments. This is particularly beneficial for asthma patients, who often require regular monitoring and medication adjustments. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools (e.g., peak flow meters with digital data transmission), and online educational resources can significantly improve asthma control. The extent of telemedicine integration within Summersville’s healthcare system, including the number of providers offering virtual visits and the types of services available, directly impacts the ‘Asthma Score’.

The link between asthma and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in asthma patients, potentially worsening their symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, access to mental health resources is crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who can provide support and treatment for mental health conditions. The availability of these resources within Summersville, whether through local clinics, hospitals, or telehealth platforms, significantly affects the ability of asthma patients to manage their condition effectively. A lack of readily accessible mental health support can lead to poorer asthma control and increased healthcare utilization.

The ‘Asthma Score’ for Summersville, therefore, is impacted by a combination of factors. The potential physician shortage, particularly for primary care and specialist pulmonologists, likely lowers the score. The quality of care provided by existing practices, including their adherence to asthma guidelines and patient education programs, plays a significant role. The extent of telemedicine adoption, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can improve the score. Finally, the availability of mental health resources, essential for addressing comorbidities, is a critical component.

Improving the ‘Asthma Score’ requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the physician shortage through recruitment incentives, loan forgiveness programs, and the expansion of telehealth services is paramount. Supporting existing practices in implementing evidence-based asthma management strategies, including patient education and personalized treatment plans, is equally important. Increasing access to mental health resources, either through local clinics or telehealth platforms, is crucial for addressing the complex needs of asthma patients.

The current state of asthma management in Summersville presents both challenges and opportunities. While the rural setting and potential physician shortage pose obstacles, the adoption of telemedicine and the commitment of local practices to providing quality care can improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of the available resources, the challenges faced by patients, and the effectiveness of current practices is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve asthma control and overall health in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Summersville and the surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing geographical data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resource allocation. Explore CartoChrome maps to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a clearer perspective on the healthcare environment in ZIP Code 26651.