25110, Hugheston, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25110, Hugheston, West Virginia is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25110 has some form of health insurance. 49.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.41 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 25110 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 175 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25110. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 228 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 236 health care providers accessible to residents in 25110, Hugheston, West Virginia.

**COPD Score Analysis: Hugheston, WV (ZIP Code 25110)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within Hugheston, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25110) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the prevalence of COPD, and the resources available to manage this chronic respiratory illness. This analysis will provide a "COPD Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all critical for effective COPD management.

Hugheston, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. The COPD Score, therefore, will reflect these realities.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**

The foundation of COPD care lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. National averages often mask the disparities present in rural communities. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like COPD who require regular monitoring and management. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 25110 is crucial. This involves identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians (including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice) and dividing it by the population of Hugheston. The resulting ratio will directly influence the COPD Score. A higher ratio indicates better access, potentially leading to a higher score.

Further complicating access is the availability of primary care practices accepting new patients. A practice that is consistently full or has long wait times can significantly impede access to care. The analysis must consider the number of practices in the area and their current patient capacity.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices involves assessing their clinical expertise, patient outcomes, and commitment to COPD management. This could include practices employing pulmonologists or offering specialized respiratory services. Researching the reputations of local practices, patient reviews, and the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like spirometry and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) is crucial. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to COPD management, such as offering patient education programs, smoking cessation support, and coordinated care with specialists, would receive higher ratings.

The presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) and access to respiratory rehabilitation programs would also positively impact the practice's standing. These resources are vital for helping patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations. The quality of care offered by these practices will significantly influence the COPD Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Remote Monitoring**

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. The availability of telehealth services for COPD management, such as virtual consultations with pulmonologists, remote monitoring of vital signs, and medication management, would significantly boost the COPD Score.

Practices utilizing remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, to track patients' respiratory function at home demonstrate a commitment to proactive care. These technologies enable early detection of exacerbations and allow for timely interventions, potentially preventing hospitalizations. The extent of telemedicine adoption is a key factor in determining the COPD Score.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

COPD often has a significant impact on mental health. The chronic nature of the illness, the physical limitations, and the potential for social isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore crucial for comprehensive COPD care.

The analysis must assess the accessibility of mental health services within Hugheston. This includes identifying the number of mental health professionals, the availability of mental health clinics, and the presence of support groups specifically for individuals with COPD or chronic respiratory illnesses. Practices that integrate mental health screening and support into their COPD management programs would receive higher ratings, positively influencing the COPD Score.

**Specific Considerations for Hugheston**

Given the likely rural setting of Hugheston, specific challenges may need to be addressed. These include the potential for limited transportation options, making it difficult for patients to access care. The analysis should consider the availability of transportation assistance programs or the presence of practices offering home visits.

Additionally, the analysis should examine the prevalence of COPD risk factors within the community, such as smoking rates and exposure to environmental pollutants. This information can help inform the COPD Score and highlight areas where targeted interventions are needed.

**Conclusion: The COPD Score and CartoChrome Maps**

The final COPD Score for Hugheston, WV (ZIP Code 25110) will be a composite of all the factors discussed above. It will reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of COPD care within the community. The score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of healthcare and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of Hugheston, including the locations of practices, the availability of services, and the distribution of resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive platform for analyzing geographic data, making it easy to identify areas of need and track progress over time. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of COPD care in Hugheston and beyond.