24871, Pageton, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 24871 has some form of health insurance. 88.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.09 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 24871 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24871. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 108 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Pageton, WV (ZIP Code 24871)

Analyzing the availability of quality COPD care in Pageton, West Virginia (ZIP code 24871) requires a multi-faceted approach, moving beyond simple physician counts to assess the depth and breadth of services available. This analysis focuses on the critical elements influencing patient outcomes, including physician density, primary care accessibility, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of mental health support, all within the context of a community potentially facing significant health challenges.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Pageton is a crucial starting point. While raw numbers are readily available, the true picture emerges when considering the specialty of those physicians. A high number of general practitioners is less valuable if the community lacks pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists essential for comprehensive COPD management. Public data, such as that provided by the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, can offer population estimates. Cross-referencing this with the West Virginia Board of Medicine's physician directory, and other medical resources, allows for a preliminary calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for primary care providers and pulmonologists. This ratio, however, is only a starting point.

Primary care availability in Pageton is inextricably linked to COPD care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms. They play a vital role in early diagnosis, disease management, and referral to specialists. Assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, as well as the average wait times for appointments. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients and the range of services offered (e.g., spirometry testing, smoking cessation programs) are critical factors. A robust primary care network, equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools and a commitment to preventative care, is fundamental to improving COPD outcomes.

Identifying standout practices in Pageton requires more than just counting physicians. It involves evaluating the quality of care delivered. This can be done by reviewing publicly available information, such as patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and data on practice accreditation. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and coordinated care are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The presence of certified respiratory therapists, access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and the implementation of chronic disease management protocols are also important indicators of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Pageton. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists and remote monitoring services. The availability of telehealth consultations, remote monitoring devices (e.g., for oxygen saturation), and virtual support groups can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce hospital readmissions. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer these services, the types of technologies used, and the level of patient and provider satisfaction with these platforms.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD care is mental health. Chronic respiratory illnesses can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore essential for comprehensive COPD management. Evaluating mental health resources requires identifying mental health providers in the area, assessing their experience with chronic illness patients, and determining the availability of support groups specifically for individuals with COPD. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with pulmonologists and PCPs, are particularly beneficial.

A detailed COPD score for doctors in ZIP code 24871 would incorporate all these factors. The score would not be a simple numerical ranking, but a multi-dimensional assessment. It would consider physician-to-patient ratios for both primary care and pulmonary specialists, evaluating the availability of specialists, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each element would be weighted based on its impact on patient outcomes.

The assessment would need to consider the specific challenges faced by the Pageton community. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and the prevalence of risk factors (e.g., smoking) would also be considered. The score would not only identify areas of strength but also highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The final COPD score would be a dynamic tool, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. Regular updates would be essential to ensure the score remains relevant and reflects the current state of COPD care in Pageton. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment that can be used to inform healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.

To visualize the complex landscape of healthcare resources in Pageton and beyond, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, providing a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.