24938, Frankford, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 24938, Frankford, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.37 percent of the residents in 24938 has some form of health insurance. 50.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.51 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 24938 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 418 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24938. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 293 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 887 health care providers accessible to residents in 24938, Frankford, West Virginia.

**COPD Score Analysis: Frankford, WV (ZIP Code 24938)**

Assessing the quality of COPD care within Frankford, West Virginia (ZIP code 24938) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the number of physicians but also the accessibility of care, the integration of innovative technologies, and the availability of crucial support services like mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of COPD care in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Frankford, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Unfortunately, precise, publicly available data on this ratio specific to 24938 is often limited. However, we can infer certain aspects based on broader county-level statistics and regional trends. Greenbrier County, where Frankford is located, often faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention, which can lead to a lower PCP-to-population ratio than in more urban areas. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased pressure on existing providers, and potential difficulties for COPD patients in accessing timely care for exacerbations or routine check-ups.

The availability of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, is another significant consideration. Rural areas frequently experience a shortage of specialists, forcing patients to travel considerable distances for specialized care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for COPD patients who may experience shortness of breath or reduced mobility. The lack of readily accessible pulmonary specialists in Frankford would negatively impact the overall COPD score.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves examining the adoption of innovative technologies, such as telemedicine. Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving COPD care in rural areas. It allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve patient access, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent interactions between patients and providers. The success of telemedicine, however, depends on several factors, including reliable internet access, patient digital literacy, and physician willingness to adopt the technology.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, especially in chronic conditions like COPD. The emotional burden of living with COPD – including anxiety, depression, and social isolation – can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and disease management. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care and are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The absence of such resources would be a significant deficit.

Identifying standout practices in Frankford requires a deeper dive into individual clinic profiles. Factors to consider include: the presence of certified respiratory therapists, the use of evidence-based COPD management guidelines, the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide comprehensive education about COPD, and offer personalized treatment plans would likely receive higher marks.

Specific data points are difficult to ascertain without direct access to local clinic information. However, the general assessment would consider the integration of these elements:

* **Physician Density:** The number of PCPs and pulmonologists per capita.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The extent to which practices offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The availability of on-site or referral-based mental health services.
* **Patient Education:** The provision of COPD-specific education and self-management training.
* **Access to Pulmonary Rehabilitation:** The presence of, or access to, pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** The overall satisfaction levels reported by COPD patients.

Analyzing these factors, a COPD score for Frankford would be generated. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing quality COPD care, while a high score would suggest a more robust and patient-centered healthcare environment.

The challenges of delivering high-quality COPD care in Frankford, WV, are significant. The potential for improvement lies in addressing the physician shortage, expanding access to telemedicine, integrating mental health services, and fostering a patient-centered approach to care.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Frankford and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide invaluable insights into healthcare access, resource distribution, and potential areas for improvement.