25168, Red House, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25168, Red House, West Virginia is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.18 percent of the residents in 25168 has some form of health insurance. 40.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.84 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 25168 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,051 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25168. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 456 health care providers accessible to residents in 25168, Red House, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Red House, WV (ZIP Code 25168)

Analyzing the availability of quality COPD care within Red House, West Virginia (ZIP code 25168) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Given the rural nature of the area, access to care can be significantly impacted by geographic limitations and resource constraints.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Red House, and the surrounding Putnam County, is a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) and, specifically, pulmonologists. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and challenges in receiving ongoing care. Information from state and county health departments, combined with data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provides a baseline understanding of the current physician density. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially concerning pulmonologists, signals a potential vulnerability for COPD patients.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code, or within a reasonable driving distance, is essential. This involves researching local healthcare providers and evaluating their services. Considerations include the availability of board-certified pulmonologists, the presence of specialized respiratory therapists, and the utilization of advanced diagnostic tools like spirometry and pulmonary function testing (PFT). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive COPD management programs, and actively participate in clinical trials or research initiatives are particularly noteworthy. Reviewing patient testimonials and online ratings can also offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical gaps and provide patients with convenient access to consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. The availability of telemedicine services, such as virtual visits with pulmonologists or respiratory therapists, can significantly improve access to care for COPD patients in Red House. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offer remote patient monitoring capabilities, and provide educational resources online are likely to score higher in terms of accessibility and patient support.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of COPD management, but they are crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. Assessing the presence of mental health professionals within the local healthcare network, the availability of mental health support groups, and the integration of mental health services into COPD management programs are essential. Practices that recognize the importance of mental well-being and offer integrated mental health support are better equipped to provide holistic care.

Specifically, a detailed analysis would need to identify the primary care physicians and pulmonologists serving the area. This includes their practice locations, specialties, and any affiliations with hospitals or larger healthcare systems. Information on the availability of respiratory therapists, the equipment available for pulmonary function testing, and the presence of COPD-specific programs would also be critical. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to share patient information with other healthcare providers are also important factors.

To assess telemedicine adoption, one would need to investigate which practices offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, or online patient portals. The types of telemedicine platforms used, the availability of technical support for patients, and the cost of telemedicine services are also important considerations.

Evaluating mental health resources requires identifying local mental health providers, support groups, and counseling services. The integration of mental health services into COPD management programs, the availability of mental health education for patients, and the presence of any mental health screening tools used by healthcare providers are also important factors.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not a simple metric. It's a composite score reflecting the interplay of these various factors. A higher score would be assigned to areas with a higher physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive COPD management programs, and actively participate in clinical trials or research initiatives would also contribute to a higher score. Conversely, areas with limited access to care, a lack of specialized services, and a scarcity of mental health resources would receive a lower score.

The specifics of Red House, WV, require a thorough investigation. This analysis would need to be performed by gathering data from multiple sources, including healthcare provider directories, state and county health departments, insurance providers, and patient reviews. The resulting COPD Score would provide a valuable assessment of the quality and accessibility of COPD care in the area, helping patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers make informed decisions.

For a visual representation of healthcare access and resource availability in Red House, WV (ZIP Code 25168), and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help visualize physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.