26690, Swiss, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26690, Swiss, West Virginia is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.38 percent of the residents in 26690 has some form of health insurance. 54.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.30 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 26690 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 252 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26690. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 139 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 253 health care providers accessible to residents in 26690, Swiss, West Virginia.

This analysis focuses on asthma care quality and primary care accessibility within the ZIP code 26690, encompassing the Swiss, West Virginia area. We will evaluate available data to generate an "Asthma Score," considering factors impacting patient outcomes, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, enabling informed decisions for residents and healthcare providers.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a critical first step. Accurate data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, practicing within 26690 is essential. This information, often sourced from state licensing boards, professional organizations, and healthcare directories, must be compared against the population of Swiss to determine the ratio. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer asthma management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access.

The availability of specialists is crucial. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, often requires the expertise of pulmonologists and allergists for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The presence of these specialists, their proximity to patients, and their willingness to accept new patients significantly impact the quality of asthma care. A lack of specialists may necessitate travel to larger cities, creating barriers to care, especially for those with limited mobility or transportation options.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices within 26690 needs evaluation. This includes assessing the adoption of evidence-based asthma management guidelines, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient care, and patient satisfaction levels. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews, practice websites, and information from health insurance providers, can offer insights into these aspects. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in asthma care can serve as a model for other providers.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Swiss. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and patient satisfaction with these services is crucial. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to asthma care for residents of 26690.

The connection between asthma and mental health is well-established. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Integrated care models, where mental health services are readily available within primary care settings or through referrals, are beneficial. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Swiss area or accessible through referral networks is critical. Practices that prioritize mental health support for asthma patients are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Creating an "Asthma Score" for 26690 requires synthesizing the data collected from the above factors. A scoring system can be developed, assigning weights to each factor based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, and telemedicine adoption might carry higher weights than patient reviews. The final score, represented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), provides a concise summary of the overall quality of asthma care and primary care accessibility in the area.

Data sources for this analysis include the West Virginia Board of Medicine, the American Medical Association, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), health insurance provider directories, and online patient review platforms. Information on telemedicine adoption can be gathered from practice websites and healthcare directories. Data on mental health resources can be obtained from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and local mental health providers.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Data availability can vary, and some information may be outdated or incomplete. Patient reviews, while valuable, can be subjective. The "Asthma Score" is an estimate based on available data and should not be considered a definitive assessment. However, it can provide a valuable starting point for understanding the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to empower residents of Swiss with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It also aims to provide insights for healthcare providers, enabling them to identify areas where they can improve their services and better meet the needs of their patients. This could include expanding telemedicine services, improving mental health support, or collaborating with specialists to enhance asthma management.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, residents can advocate for better care, and providers can work together to create a healthier community. The insights gained from this analysis can be used to inform policy decisions, improve resource allocation, and ultimately, enhance the quality of life for individuals living with asthma in the Swiss area.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of 26690, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to easily identify physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant information. This interactive tool can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your area and make informed decisions about your health.