24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24962 has some form of health insurance. 59.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.35 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 24962 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24962. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 459 health care providers accessible to residents in 24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Pence Springs, WV (ZIP Code 24962)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for primary care physicians and healthcare resources available within the Pence Springs, West Virginia (ZIP code 24962) area. This score considers factors critical to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including physician availability, practice characteristics, access to telemedicine, and integration of mental health services. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for COPD patients.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible and qualified primary care. In Pence Springs, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), must be examined to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. This data will then be compared to national averages to assess whether the area faces a shortage or surplus of primary care providers. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a higher concentration of doctors per capita, would positively influence the COPD Score. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and consistent care, negatively impacting the score.

Beyond raw numbers, the qualifications and experience of the physicians are paramount. The analysis will scrutinize the board certifications of available physicians. Board certification in internal medicine or family medicine, coupled with demonstrable experience in pulmonary health, is highly desirable. The presence of physicians with specific training in COPD management, such as those who have completed fellowships in pulmonary medicine, would significantly elevate the COPD Score. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists, within a reasonable driving distance, as easy access to specialized care is crucial for managing severe COPD cases.

The operational characteristics of primary care practices in Pence Springs are also critical. The analysis will assess the practices' appointment scheduling systems, including the ease of obtaining appointments for routine checkups and urgent needs. Practices that offer same-day appointments or have dedicated slots for COPD patients will receive a higher score. The availability of extended hours, weekend clinics, and after-hours care options are also important factors. Practices that embrace patient-centered care, such as offering personalized care plans and providing educational materials about COPD, will be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital for COPD management, especially in rural areas. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth services offered by primary care practices in Pence Springs. This includes the ability to conduct virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and the use of telehealth platforms for medication management and patient education. Practices that offer telemedicine options for COPD patients, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, will receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources play a significant role in COPD management. COPD can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the Pence Springs area, including access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. Practices that integrate mental health screenings into their routine care and offer referrals to mental health professionals will be viewed favorably. The presence of support groups for COPD patients and their families, as well as access to resources for managing stress and anxiety, will also contribute positively to the COPD Score.

Specific practices in Pence Springs will be assessed based on the criteria outlined above. The analysis will identify standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This may involve practices that have a strong focus on patient education, actively utilize telemedicine, or have established partnerships with mental health providers. These practices will be highlighted as models of excellence in COPD management within the local area. Conversely, practices that fall short in key areas, such as physician availability or telemedicine adoption, will be identified as areas for improvement.

The COPD Score for Pence Springs will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance in COPD management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in the area. The score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating a more favorable environment for COPD care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of ancillary services that support COPD management. This includes access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs, respiratory therapists, and smoking cessation programs. The presence of these services within the Pence Springs area or in nearby communities will positively impact the COPD Score. The analysis will also assess the availability of pharmacies that carry COPD medications and offer convenient services, such as medication refills and delivery.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the socio-economic factors that can impact COPD management. This includes the percentage of the population living below the poverty line, the prevalence of smoking, and the availability of transportation. These factors can influence access to care and patient adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will assess how these factors impact the overall COPD Score for Pence Springs.

In conclusion, the COPD Score analysis for Pence Springs (ZIP code 24962) will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare resources available to COPD patients. The analysis will identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape, highlighting areas where improvements can be made to enhance the quality of care. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for COPD management in this rural community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pence Springs, including the location of primary care physicians, the availability of specialists, and the proximity of healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can help you visualize the data presented in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.