25009, Ashford, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25009 has some form of health insurance. 72.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.31 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 25009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 384 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 207 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 182 health care providers accessible to residents in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Ashford, WV (ZIP Code 25009)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Ashford, West Virginia, specifically focusing on the 25009 ZIP code. We'll evaluate primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a COPD score ranking. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform patient choices and potential improvements.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible primary care. Ashford, being a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: physician shortages and geographical limitations. Assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 25009 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. Further, the analysis must consider the accessibility of these physicians. Are they accepting new patients? What are their office hours, and how long are wait times for appointments? Information on these factors provides a preliminary measure of primary care access, a critical element in the COPD Score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. The national average for PCP-to-patient ratios provides a benchmark. Deviations from this average in Ashford, whether higher or lower, will influence the COPD Score. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely care, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis and treatment for COPD patients. Conversely, a lower ratio implies greater access, which positively impacts the score. The analysis will need to consider the age demographics of Ashford, as a higher proportion of elderly residents, a population more susceptible to COPD, could further strain the existing healthcare resources.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves investigating practices known for their specialized COPD care. Are there pulmonologists or practices with a strong focus on respiratory health? What are their patient outcomes? Do they offer comprehensive services, including pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation programs, and patient education? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these services, and that have a positive reputation within the community, will receive a higher score. This section will also consider the use of evidence-based practices and adherence to national guidelines for COPD management.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural areas. It can reduce geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive regular check-ups without traveling long distances. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services offered by local practices, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score, recognizing their contribution to improving access to care.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is vital for COPD patients. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the 25009 ZIP code. Are there mental health professionals available? Do they accept referrals from primary care physicians? Are there support groups or counseling services specifically for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions? Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care will receive a higher score, reflecting their holistic approach to patient well-being.

The COPD Score will be a composite metric, considering all the factors discussed. It will be a qualitative assessment, not a rigid numerical score. The final score will categorize the healthcare environment in Ashford based on the following: primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, specialized care availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health resource integration. The score will provide a general assessment of the quality of care available for COPD patients in the area.

The analysis will consider the limitations of data availability. Gathering comprehensive information on all aspects of healthcare delivery can be challenging, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will rely on publicly available data, practice websites, and information from healthcare directories. The conclusions will be based on the best available information at the time of the analysis.

The COPD Score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to make informed decisions about their care. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and develop strategies to address healthcare disparities.

The analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Ashford, WV. It will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving COPD care in this rural community. The analysis will also underscore the importance of a patient-centered approach to healthcare, one that considers the physical, mental, and social needs of individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions.

The final COPD Score will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the healthcare landscape in Ashford, WV. It will provide a clear and concise assessment of the availability and quality of care for COPD patients in the area.

**Enhance your understanding of healthcare access and resources. Explore the data visually with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper insight into the healthcare landscape of Ashford, WV, and beyond.**