26808, High View, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 26808, High View, West Virginia is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.82 percent of the residents in 26808 has some form of health insurance. 34.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.46 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 26808 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 88 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26808. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 95 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 50 health care providers accessible to residents in 26808, High View, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26808 and Primary Care Availability in High View

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning asthma management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 26808 and the town of High View, West Virginia, examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support within the context of asthma care. The aim is to provide an informed 'Asthma Score' assessment, recognizing the complex interplay of factors influencing patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective asthma management lies in readily accessible primary care. High View, a rural community within ZIP Code 26808, likely faces challenges common to such areas: limited physician density and potential geographical barriers to care. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While specific figures require up-to-date data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau, we can infer potential difficulties. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a scarcity of primary care providers, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and challenges in managing chronic conditions like asthma.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of available practices are vital. Are there practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient needs? Do they have dedicated asthma specialists or nurses trained in asthma management? These factors significantly impact the quality of care. Practices with a strong focus on chronic disease management, including asthma, are more likely to implement evidence-based guidelines, provide patient education, and coordinate care effectively. This includes offering comprehensive asthma action plans, regular follow-up appointments, and readily available resources for patients experiencing exacerbations.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth can bridge geographical gaps, enabling patients to consult with their physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and monitor their asthma symptoms. The 'Asthma Score' would be positively influenced by practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for these purposes. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who might not be available locally, such as pulmonologists or allergists. The ease of access to these specialists can significantly improve the management of complex asthma cases.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of asthma care. Asthma can be a chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The 'Asthma Score' would be elevated for practices that recognize and address the psychological aspects of asthma, offering resources for coping with the condition and managing associated mental health challenges.

Analyzing individual practices within ZIP Code 26808 requires a deeper dive. Identifying standout practices necessitates examining their online presence, patient reviews, and the services they offer. Practices with a clear focus on asthma management, evidenced by specialized programs, patient education materials, and a commitment to staying current with the latest asthma guidelines, would naturally score higher. This includes the availability of spirometry testing, a critical tool for diagnosing and monitoring asthma, and the use of electronic health records to facilitate care coordination.

Furthermore, the availability of community resources plays a crucial role. Are there local pharmacies with readily available asthma medications and inhalers? Are there support groups or educational programs for asthma patients and their families? The presence of these resources enhances the 'Asthma Score' by providing patients with access to a broader network of support and information. Collaboration between primary care practices and community organizations can significantly improve asthma outcomes.

The 'Asthma Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 26808 and primary care availability in High View is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment influenced by various factors, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and community resources. The lower the physician-to-patient ratio, the lower the score. The lack of telemedicine options, the lack of mental health resources, and the lack of specialized asthma care would also negatively impact the score. Conversely, practices that embrace telemedicine, offer comprehensive asthma management programs, and prioritize mental health integration would contribute to a higher score.

The assessment of the 'Asthma Score' also needs to consider the potential for disparities in access to care. Rural areas often face challenges related to transportation, insurance coverage, and socioeconomic factors that can exacerbate health inequities. The 'Asthma Score' should reflect these realities, acknowledging the need for targeted interventions to address disparities and ensure equitable access to high-quality asthma care for all residents of High View and ZIP Code 26808.

To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of healthcare resources in this area, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to community resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize healthcare data, allowing for a more nuanced and spatially aware analysis of asthma care accessibility and quality.