24983, Union, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 24983, Union, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.23 percent of the residents in 24983 has some form of health insurance. 62.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.86 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 24983 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24983. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 632 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 417 health care providers accessible to residents in 24983, Union, West Virginia.

**COPD Score Analysis: Primary Care and COPD Management in Union, WV (ZIP Code 24983)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of primary care and COPD management within Union, West Virginia (ZIP code 24983), focusing on factors relevant to patient access and quality of care. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements for effectively addressing the challenges of COPD.

Union, a rural community, likely faces unique hurdles in healthcare access. A key metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining this precisely requires data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. However, we can infer potential challenges. Rural areas often have lower physician densities than urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potentially, a less diverse range of specialists. This impacts COPD patients, who require regular check-ups, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation, all of which are dependent on accessible primary care.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Reputation, patient reviews, and the scope of services offered are all important. Practices with a strong focus on chronic disease management, including COPD, would be highly desirable. This includes those that have dedicated respiratory therapists, offer pulmonary function testing on-site, and actively participate in disease management programs. Furthermore, practices that proactively engage in patient education and provide support groups would be seen as leaders in COPD care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, offering remote consultations, medication management, and even remote monitoring of lung function. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, would receive a higher score. This is particularly beneficial for COPD patients, enabling them to receive timely care without the burden of travel, especially during exacerbations or periods of limited mobility.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical in COPD management. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or strong referral networks, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Access to counseling, support groups, and psychiatric services can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. This integrated approach is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of COPD.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also a significant factor. These programs, often involving exercise, education, and breathing techniques, are essential for improving lung function and quality of life. Practices that collaborate with local hospitals or offer in-house pulmonary rehabilitation services demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive COPD care. This level of support is vital for patients seeking to manage their condition effectively.

Evaluating the overall COPD Score involves assessing the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services within the ZIP code. A high score would indicate a favorable environment for COPD patients, with a sufficient number of primary care physicians, readily available telemedicine options, integrated mental health resources, and access to pulmonary rehabilitation. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a need for more physicians, increased telemedicine adoption, and enhanced mental health support.

The specific data needed to calculate a precise COPD Score would include: the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area, the patient panel sizes of each practice, the availability of telemedicine services, the presence of respiratory therapists and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and the existence of mental health services or referral networks. This data can be gathered through a combination of public records, practice websites, and direct outreach to healthcare providers.

Analyzing the data allows us to pinpoint areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, it would suggest a need for strategies to attract more physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, it would indicate a need for education and training to encourage its use. If mental health resources are scarce, it would point to the need for partnerships with mental health providers.

The COPD Score analysis provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in Union, WV. It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and pulmonary rehabilitation. It also underscores the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare.

This assessment is a starting point. Further research, including patient surveys and interviews with healthcare providers, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the patient experience and the effectiveness of current COPD management strategies. This deeper dive would allow for the creation of targeted interventions to improve the quality of care for COPD patients in Union, WV.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape in Union, WV (ZIP code 24983) and beyond, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows you to analyze geographic data, identify healthcare resources, and gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence healthcare access and outcomes.