25033, Buffalo, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25033, Buffalo, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.94 percent of the residents in 25033 has some form of health insurance. 34.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.09 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 25033 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 339 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25033. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 68 health care providers accessible to residents in 25033, Buffalo, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Buffalo, WV (ZIP Code 25033)

This analysis evaluates the landscape of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care within ZIP Code 25033 (Buffalo, West Virginia), focusing on primary care physician availability, resource accessibility, and overall quality of care. The goal is to provide a COPD Score assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement within the local healthcare ecosystem. This score will be based on several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telehealth, mental health support, and the presence of standout practices.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests upon accessible and competent primary care physicians. In Buffalo, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Precise data on this ratio requires a deep dive into local healthcare provider directories and population figures. Ideally, the analysis would determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and then calculate the ratio of physicians to the total population. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, raises significant concerns. It can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD patients.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these primary care physicians is paramount. The analysis should consider the availability of board-certified physicians, their expertise in pulmonary medicine, and their commitment to evidence-based practices. Does the local medical community actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) focused on COPD management? Are physicians utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols, including inhaled medications, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and smoking cessation support? These factors contribute significantly to the overall COPD Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas like Buffalo. Its adoption within the primary care practices in 25033 is a key component of the COPD Score analysis. Does the local healthcare system offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and patient education? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients, allowing for remote monitoring of symptoms, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits, and improving medication adherence. The availability of telehealth services directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health considerations are frequently overlooked in COPD management, but their importance cannot be overstated. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health resources within the community. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, available to provide support to COPD patients? Does the primary care practice have established referral pathways for mental health services? The integration of mental health support into COPD care is crucial for improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Identifying "standout practices" within ZIP Code 25033 is a key aspect of the COPD Score analysis. These are practices that demonstrate exceptional commitment to COPD care. This involves evaluating several factors. Do they have dedicated staff trained in COPD management, such as respiratory therapists or certified respiratory educators? Do they offer pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are essential for improving lung function and quality of life? Do they actively participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about COPD and promote early detection? These practices serve as models for other providers and contribute to a higher overall COPD Score.

Specific examples of standout practices would be highly valuable. For instance, a practice with a strong focus on patient education, offering comprehensive COPD education materials and support groups, would be considered a positive indicator. A practice that utilizes electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, monitor medication adherence, and facilitate communication between providers would also be considered a strong performer. The identification of such practices helps to highlight best practices and encourage their adoption throughout the community.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the availability of resources such as pulmonary function testing (PFT) facilities, smoking cessation programs, and access to oxygen therapy. The presence of these resources is essential for comprehensive COPD care. The analysis should consider the ease of access to these services and the associated costs.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not just a numerical value. It is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem in Buffalo, WV, 25033, as it relates to COPD care. The score will reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the presence of standout practices, and the overall quality of care. The higher the score, the better the healthcare infrastructure and the more accessible and effective the COPD care.

The final COPD Score for Buffalo, WV, 25033, will be determined by weighting the various factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be given significant weight, as it is a fundamental indicator of access to care. The availability of telemedicine and mental health resources will also be weighted heavily, as they are crucial for comprehensive patient care. The presence of standout practices and the availability of essential resources will contribute to the overall score.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking. It is a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of COPD care in Buffalo, WV, 25033. Further research and data collection are needed to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Buffalo, WV, 25033, and gain a deeper understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the physician-to-patient ratio, the location of telehealth services, and the availability of mental health resources within the ZIP code. This visual representation can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery.