25103, Hansford, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25103, Hansford, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25103 has some form of health insurance. 86.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.70 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 25103 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 16 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25103. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 42 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 296 health care providers accessible to residents in 25103, Hansford, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Hansford, WV (ZIP Code 25103)

Analyzing the COPD landscape within ZIP Code 25103 (Hansford, West Virginia) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem, particularly primary care availability and ancillary resources. This analysis aims to provide a "COPD Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in this specific geographical area. The score will be implicitly derived from the factors discussed below, rather than a numerical value, offering a comprehensive understanding of the existing healthcare environment.

The foundation of COPD care lies in primary care. Hansford, a rural community, likely faces challenges in primary care access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, directly impacts appointment availability, wait times, and the ability to establish consistent patient-physician relationships. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), and local hospital systems will be necessary to determine this ratio. A concerningly low ratio would significantly detract from the overall COPD score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is critical. Are they clustered in a single location, potentially creating access barriers for residents in outlying areas of the ZIP code? Or are they spread out, offering more equitable access? The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) is also a positive factor. These facilities often provide comprehensive care, including chronic disease management, and are designed to serve underserved populations. Their existence would bolster the COPD score.

Specialist availability is another key consideration. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone, pulmonologists are essential for diagnosing, managing, and treating COPD. The presence of pulmonologists within or near ZIP Code 25103 is vital. If pulmonologists are scarce, patients may need to travel considerable distances for specialized care, increasing the burden of managing their condition. The COPD score would be negatively impacted by a lack of readily accessible pulmonology services.

Identifying standout practices within the area is also important. Are there any primary care clinics or physician groups that demonstrate a commitment to COPD management? This might include offering specialized COPD education programs, providing access to pulmonary rehabilitation services, or actively participating in chronic disease management initiatives. Practices that prioritize patient education, medication adherence, and regular follow-up appointments would contribute positively to the COPD score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and patient monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, would receive a higher COPD score. This is particularly relevant for patients who have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a critical component of the COPD score. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their COPD care protocols would be considered more comprehensive and patient-centered.

The presence of support groups and patient education programs also significantly influences the COPD score. These resources empower patients to actively participate in their care, providing them with knowledge, support, and a sense of community. Local hospitals, community centers, and patient advocacy organizations often host these programs. Their availability would positively impact the COPD score.

Examining the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs is also crucial. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps patients improve their lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The presence of such programs, ideally located within or near the ZIP code, would significantly improve the COPD score. The accessibility of these programs directly impacts the ability of patients to manage their symptoms and maintain their independence.

Medication access and affordability are essential factors. The COPD score is negatively impacted if patients struggle to afford their medications. The availability of patient assistance programs, generic medications, and pharmacies within the community plays a significant role in ensuring that patients can adhere to their treatment plans.

The overall infrastructure for managing COPD in Hansford, WV (25103) is a complex web of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of support programs all contribute to the overall "COPD Score." A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with readily accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered COPD care. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and strengthening mental health support.

To further analyze the healthcare landscape of Hansford, WV (25103) and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive and visually intuitive overview of physician locations, healthcare resource distribution, and population demographics. They can reveal hidden patterns and insights, assisting in a more accurate assessment of COPD care availability. Contact CartoChrome today to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.