26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.17 percent of the residents in 26764 has some form of health insurance. 52.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.77 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 26764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,058 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 945 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 60 health care providers accessible to residents in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia.

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in the context of asthma management, particularly within a specific ZIP code and town, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We'll examine the landscape of physicians in 26764, focusing on primary care availability in Terra Alta, West Virginia, to formulate an "Asthma Score" analysis. This score will reflect the overall capacity of the healthcare system to effectively serve asthma patients.

The first crucial element is physician density. ZIP code 26764, encompassing Terra Alta and surrounding areas, likely faces challenges common to rural regions. These include a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. This scarcity directly impacts access to care, especially for chronic conditions like asthma, which require consistent monitoring and management. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly critical. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnoses, treatment plans, and referrals to specialists when necessary. The "Asthma Score" will reflect the availability of PCPs in Terra Alta, weighting this factor heavily.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of physicians available are important. While PCPs are essential, the presence of pulmonologists or allergists is equally vital for specialized asthma care. These specialists possess the expertise to manage complex cases, perform advanced diagnostic tests, and tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs. The analysis will assess the proximity and accessibility of these specialists for residents of 26764. This involves considering travel times, appointment availability, and acceptance of various insurance plans.

Another key component of the "Asthma Score" is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve asthma management, particularly in rural areas. It enables patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is especially helpful for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and symptom management. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which practices in and around Terra Alta utilize telemedicine for asthma care.

The quality of care provided by existing practices is also a critical factor. This involves assessing the adoption of evidence-based asthma guidelines, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the availability of patient education resources. Practices that actively participate in asthma education programs, provide personalized asthma action plans, and regularly review patient medication adherence will receive higher scores. The "Asthma Score" will consider these aspects, reflecting the commitment of local healthcare providers to providing high-quality asthma care.

Mental health resources are another vital element in the "Asthma Score" analysis. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, is crucial for supporting asthma patients. The analysis will assess the presence of mental health providers in Terra Alta and the extent to which they collaborate with primary care physicians and pulmonologists to provide integrated care. This includes examining referral pathways, shared care plans, and the availability of mental health support groups.

Identifying standout practices within the 26764 ZIP code is essential. This involves recognizing those that excel in providing comprehensive asthma care. These practices may have a higher physician-to-patient ratio, a strong emphasis on telemedicine, a commitment to patient education, or a well-established mental health integration program. The analysis will highlight these practices, providing a benchmark for other providers and a valuable resource for patients seeking high-quality asthma care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of asthma-related medications. This includes assessing the accessibility of pharmacies in Terra Alta and the affordability of essential asthma medications. The "Asthma Score" will reflect the ease with which patients can obtain their prescribed medications, considering factors like insurance coverage, pharmacy hours, and the availability of generic alternatives.

The overall "Asthma Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. Each factor will be assigned a score based on its contribution to effective asthma management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in 26764 and Terra Alta, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The final "Asthma Score" will be a dynamic measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices. This will ensure that the score remains a relevant and useful tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape for asthma patients in 26764 requires a detailed evaluation of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices. The "Asthma Score" analysis, based on these factors, provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system's capacity to effectively serve asthma patients in Terra Alta.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Terra Alta, including physician locations, practice details, and access to care, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps offer valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.