26753, Ridgeley, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26753, Ridgeley, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.04 percent of the residents in 26753 has some form of health insurance. 44.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.85 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 26753 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,208 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26753. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 450 health care providers accessible to residents in 26753, Ridgeley, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Ridgeley, WV (ZIP Code 26753)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care services in Ridgeley, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26753), focusing specifically on factors pertinent to asthma management. The goal is to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the prominence of specific practices, the utilization of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive asthma care.

Ridgeley, a small community in Mineral County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to a lower density of healthcare providers compared to more urban settings. This, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, can impact the quality and accessibility of care, particularly for chronic conditions like asthma.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures fluctuate, a general understanding of the ratio within ZIP Code 26753 is essential. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) would be crucial to establish a baseline. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a higher likelihood of emergency room visits for asthma exacerbations. The analysis would need to consider the presence of any specialists, such as pulmonologists or allergists, in the immediate area or within a reasonable travel distance, as these specialists play a critical role in managing severe asthma cases.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is another key component. This involves assessing the quality of care provided by local primary care physicians. Factors to consider include the practice's commitment to asthma management guidelines, the availability of asthma education resources for patients, and the use of evidence-based treatments. Reviews from patients, when available and ethically sourced, can offer insights into the patient experience, including communication, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction with the care received. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to asthma management, such as offering personalized asthma action plans and regularly monitoring patients' symptoms, would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. The analysis would assess the extent to which primary care practices in Ridgeley offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of asthma symptoms, and medication refills. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to manage asthma patients, particularly those with limited access to transportation or those living in remote areas, would be recognized for their forward-thinking approach.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to managing chronic conditions like asthma. Asthma can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. This involves assessing whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, would be considered to be providing more comprehensive care.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of ancillary services, such as respiratory therapy, pharmacy services, and access to asthma education programs. The proximity of these services, and their integration with primary care, can significantly impact the quality of asthma management. The presence of a pharmacy that offers specialized asthma medications and provides patient counseling on proper inhaler technique, for example, would be a positive factor.

Moreover, the analysis must factor in the availability of social determinants of health resources. Asthma is often exacerbated by environmental factors, such as poor housing conditions, exposure to allergens, and air quality. The analysis would assess the availability of resources that address these social determinants, such as housing assistance programs, environmental health initiatives, and access to information about local air quality.

Developing an Asthma Score for physicians in ZIP Code 26753 is a multi-faceted process. It would involve gathering data from various sources, including healthcare providers, patient reviews, and public health agencies. The score would be based on a weighted system, with each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and availability of ancillary services and social determinants of health – contributing to the overall assessment. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in Ridgeley, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and empowering them to advocate for their needs.

The resulting Asthma Score, once calculated, would provide a valuable resource for residents of Ridgeley, WV. It would offer a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and areas that require improvement. It would also empower patients to become active participants in their own healthcare, seeking out providers who prioritize asthma management and provide comprehensive care.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ridgeley, WV, including geographic mapping of physician locations, access to pharmacies, and proximity to specialized services, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to visualize and analyze healthcare data, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.