26691, Tioga, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26691, Tioga, West Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26691 has some form of health insurance. 52.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.58 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 26691 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 93 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26691. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 332 health care providers accessible to residents in 26691, Tioga, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26691 & Primary Care in Tioga

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning asthma management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on two key areas: the availability and performance of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 26691 and the broader context of primary care access within Tioga. We'll evaluate these factors through an "Asthma Score" framework, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for asthma sufferers in these regions.

Within ZIP code 26691, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio of patients per PCP can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, a less thorough assessment of asthma symptoms and management strategies. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio in this specific ZIP code is essential. If readily available, this data would be a primary determinant of the "Asthma Score." A low ratio, indicating a readily accessible PCP, would significantly boost the score. Conversely, a high ratio would negatively impact the score, suggesting potential barriers to timely and effective asthma care. Public health resources, such as the county health department, may offer data on physician density.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices in 26691 are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments, crucial for patients experiencing asthma exacerbations? Do they have dedicated asthma educators or nurses trained in asthma management? The presence of these resources would significantly elevate the "Asthma Score." Practices that prioritize patient education, offer personalized asthma action plans, and actively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens would score higher. The availability of specialized equipment, such as spirometry testing, directly impacts the ability of PCPs to diagnose and monitor asthma effectively.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the "Asthma Score." The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and symptom monitoring, can greatly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine services, including remote monitoring of peak flow meters or other asthma management tools, would receive a higher score. The ease of access to telehealth, including the availability of technical support for patients, should also be considered.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential for asthma management. Asthma, a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would receive a higher "Asthma Score." This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The ability of the PCP to address the psychological aspects of asthma care is a significant factor in patient outcomes.

Shifting the focus to primary care availability in Tioga, the overall accessibility of PCPs is paramount. This includes the geographic distribution of practices, the availability of transportation options to reach these practices, and the affordability of care. A shortage of PCPs in Tioga would negatively impact the "Asthma Score," as patients may face long travel distances or struggle to find a PCP accepting new patients. Public transportation options and the availability of community health centers could mitigate these challenges.

The "Asthma Score" for Tioga would also consider the presence of specialized asthma care within the region. While PCPs are the first point of contact, access to pulmonologists and allergists is critical for patients with complex or uncontrolled asthma. The proximity of these specialists, or the ease of referral to specialists outside of Tioga, would influence the score. The existence of urgent care facilities or emergency rooms equipped to handle asthma exacerbations is another factor.

The quality of care provided by PCPs in Tioga is also a critical consideration. This includes their experience in managing asthma, their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and their patient satisfaction ratings. Practices that consistently demonstrate positive patient outcomes, as measured by asthma control tests or other validated metrics, would contribute to a higher "Asthma Score." The availability of patient education materials and resources, such as online portals or educational brochures, would also be considered.

In conclusion, the "Asthma Score" for both ZIP code 26691 and Tioga is a dynamic measure reflecting the interplay of numerous factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and the overall accessibility and quality of care all contribute to the final score. A comprehensive analysis requires detailed data on each of these components, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and the challenges faced by asthma sufferers.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements are needed, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician density, practice locations, and access to specialized asthma care, providing a powerful tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients alike.