25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.60 percent of the residents in 25442 has some form of health insurance. 31.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.53 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 25442 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 885 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25442. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,517 health care providers accessible to residents in 25442, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Shenandoah Junction (ZIP Code 25442)

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and the quality of care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25442), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, a "COPD Score," will consider several key factors impacting patient access and the overall standard of care. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, the utilization of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD management.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for COPD. Data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) will be essential. We would need to ascertain the exact number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 25442 ZIP code, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners. This number must then be compared to the population of Shenandoah Junction to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio provides the initial baseline for our COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive COPD care. We will need to investigate practices that actively participate in initiatives such as the COPD Foundation’s GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines. We must assess if these practices offer pulmonary function testing (PFT) in-house, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of COPD progression. Furthermore, we will investigate if the practices have specialized nurses or respiratory therapists who are trained in COPD management. Practices that offer patient education programs, including smoking cessation support and pulmonary rehabilitation, will score higher. The availability of these resources directly impacts patient outcomes and quality of life.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows patients to receive consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring without the need for frequent in-person visits. We will assess which primary care practices in 25442 offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring of vital signs) and the technology platforms used. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The integration of telemedicine contributes significantly to the overall COPD Score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, but they are vital. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD Score will evaluate the availability of mental health support services within the primary care practices or through referrals. We will determine if practices screen patients for mental health issues and offer or refer patients to mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists. Practices that collaborate with mental health specialists and provide access to support groups will receive a higher score. This integration reflects a holistic approach to patient care.

The COPD Score, therefore, is a composite of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources will then influence the score. A higher score indicates better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes. A low score indicates areas where improvements are needed.

To conduct this analysis, we would need to gather data from various sources. We would use the West Virginia Board of Medicine to identify licensed physicians within the 25442 ZIP code. We would need to contact primary care practices directly to gather information about their services, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health resources. We would also consult publicly available data from the HRSA and the WVDHHR. This data collection process will allow us to develop a comprehensive COPD Score for the area.

The final COPD Score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will help patients make informed decisions about their care. It will also highlight areas where improvements are needed, enabling healthcare providers to enhance their services and policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The analysis, however, is only as good as the data available. Accessing and interpreting this data is a complex task. The dynamic nature of healthcare, with practices changing and new technologies emerging, means that this analysis must be regularly updated to remain relevant.

The COPD Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah Junction. It provides a snapshot of the availability and quality of care for COPD patients. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, we can work towards improving the lives of those affected by this debilitating disease.

To visualize and better understand the geographical distribution of primary care physicians, the locations of standout practices, and the availability of telemedicine services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shenandoah Junction.