26679, Mount Nebo, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26679, Mount Nebo, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.77 percent of the residents in 26679 has some form of health insurance. 29.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.56 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 26679 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 513 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26679. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 267 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 329 health care providers accessible to residents in 26679, Mount Nebo, West Virginia.

**Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26679 & Primary Care in Mount Nebo**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26679, encompassing Mount Nebo, requires a multi-faceted approach, especially when considering asthma management and primary care accessibility. The following analysis provides an ‘Asthma Score’ perspective, evaluating various factors influencing patient care and resource availability. This score isn't a single number but a composite assessment based on several key indicators.

Physician-to-patient ratios form a foundational element of this analysis. In a rural area like Mount Nebo, the density of physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists like pulmonologists or allergists, significantly impacts asthma care. Low ratios suggest potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, increasing wait times, and potentially hindering proactive asthma management. The ‘Asthma Score’ will reflect the availability of these crucial specialists.

Primary care availability is critical. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma diagnosis, management, and referral. A robust primary care system, with readily available appointments and a good understanding of asthma guidelines, directly translates to better patient outcomes. We will assess the number of PCPs in the area, their patient load, and their demonstrated commitment to asthma care.

Standout practices can significantly influence the overall quality of care. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to asthma management, such as offering asthma education programs, utilizing standardized asthma action plans, and regularly monitoring patient outcomes, will be highly regarded. The ‘Asthma Score’ will consider the presence of these best practices within the local medical community. This includes evaluating patient reviews, practice accreditation, and the adoption of evidence-based asthma management protocols.

Telemedicine adoption presents a valuable opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication refills, and follow-up appointments, thereby reducing the burden of travel for patients and expanding the reach of healthcare providers. The ‘Asthma Score’ will weigh the extent of telemedicine integration within local practices, considering its potential to improve asthma management.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in asthma management, but they are crucial. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community is an important factor in the ‘Asthma Score.’ Integration of mental health support into asthma care, such as collaborative care models, will be particularly beneficial.

Data gathering for this analysis involves several steps. Publicly available databases, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provide information on physician counts, healthcare facility locations, and access to care indicators. Additionally, local hospital systems and medical practices will be contacted to gather information on their services, asthma management protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health partnerships.

The ‘Asthma Score’ will be constructed using a weighted scoring system. Each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources) will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in asthma management. The specific weights will be determined based on expert opinion and established best practices. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher negative weight than a lack of telemedicine adoption.

The data collected will be analyzed to generate a score for each factor. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio will be calculated based on the number of physicians and the population of ZIP code 26679. The availability of primary care will be assessed by examining appointment wait times and the number of PCPs accepting new patients. Standout practices will be identified based on their adoption of asthma education programs and their use of standardized asthma action plans. Telemedicine adoption will be evaluated based on the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Finally, the availability of mental health resources will be assessed by identifying the number of mental health professionals in the area and their collaboration with primary care practices.

The final ‘Asthma Score’ will be a composite score, reflecting the overall quality of asthma care in ZIP code 26679. This score will be presented along with a detailed breakdown of each factor, providing a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This breakdown will allow for targeted interventions to improve asthma management.

In the context of Mount Nebo, the ‘Asthma Score’ is likely to be influenced by the rural nature of the area. Challenges like physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and the need for improved telemedicine infrastructure are all factors that may impact the score. However, the score can also highlight opportunities for improvement, such as the potential for expanding telemedicine services, establishing partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers, and promoting asthma education programs.

The analysis will identify specific practices within the area that are demonstrating excellence in asthma management. These practices will be recognized for their commitment to patient care and their adoption of best practices. Highlighting these standout practices can serve as a model for other providers and inspire improvements across the local healthcare system.

The integration of mental health services into asthma care is a critical area for improvement. Asthma patients often experience significant mental health challenges, and addressing these needs can significantly improve their quality of life. The analysis will identify opportunities for collaboration between primary care practices, mental health providers, and asthma specialists to provide comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption is another area with significant potential for improvement. Telemedicine can help overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care for patients in rural areas. The analysis will identify opportunities for expanding telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management.

By providing a detailed ‘Asthma Score’ analysis, this assessment aims to empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about asthma care in Mount Nebo. The analysis will serve as a valuable resource for improving patient outcomes and building a healthier community.

For a dynamic and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mount Nebo, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a comprehensive and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.