25444, Slanesville, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25444, Slanesville, West Virginia is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25444 has some form of health insurance. 30.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.94 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 25444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 157 health care providers accessible to residents in 25444, Slanesville, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Slanesville, WV (ZIP Code 25444)

Analyzing the quality of COPD care in Slanesville, West Virginia (ZIP code 25444) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis will provide a COPD Score ranking, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in this rural community.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on accessible primary care. Slanesville, being a small, rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. Assessing primary care availability involves determining the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, it’s crucial to evaluate the patient-to-physician ratio. A higher ratio suggests a greater burden on each physician, potentially impacting the time they can dedicate to individual patient care and the thoroughness of COPD management. This includes the frequency of check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education.

Standout practices, if any exist within or serving Slanesville, deserve special recognition. These practices would ideally demonstrate a proactive approach to COPD management. This involves implementing standardized protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. They would also emphasize preventative care, such as smoking cessation programs and regular pulmonary function testing (PFTs). A standout practice would likely have a dedicated respiratory therapist or a nurse specializing in respiratory care, providing patients with individualized support and education.

Telemedicine offers a significant advantage in rural communities like Slanesville. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialized care without extensive travel. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in the area is a critical factor in the COPD Score. This includes the use of virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring of lung function. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine by providing physicians with real-time data on patient health.

COPD often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. The COPD Score must consider the integration of mental health resources within the local healthcare system. This includes the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Ideally, primary care practices would have established referral pathways to mental health services, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care addressing both their physical and emotional needs. This also involves the availability of support groups or educational programs focused on managing the psychological impact of COPD.

The COPD Score for Slanesville would be determined by evaluating these factors and assigning weighted values to each. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care physicians, and the adoption of telemedicine would carry significant weight. The presence of standout practices and the integration of mental health resources would also contribute positively to the score. A high score would indicate a healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of COPD patients, while a low score would highlight areas requiring improvement.

Specifically, the analysis would need to identify the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within ZIP code 25444 and the surrounding areas. This data can be obtained from state medical boards, insurance provider directories, and online physician finders. The physician-to-patient ratio can be calculated by dividing the estimated population of Slanesville by the number of available primary care physicians.

To assess telemedicine adoption, the analysis would need to survey local primary care practices. This could involve contacting practices directly or reviewing their websites and patient portals to determine if they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services.

Evaluating mental health resources requires identifying the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and LCSWs. This information can be obtained from local health directories, mental health organizations, and community resource centers. The analysis should also investigate the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, such as on-site therapists or established referral pathways.

Based on these findings, a COPD Score would be assigned, reflecting the overall quality of COPD care in Slanesville. This score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the healthcare system's effectiveness in managing this chronic respiratory disease. The analysis would also identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The COPD Score would not only provide a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape but also serve as a tool for advocacy and improvement. It could be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members about the specific needs of COPD patients in Slanesville. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions and strategies to enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of COPD care in Slanesville, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and work towards a healthier community. This requires a detailed understanding of the local healthcare infrastructure, including the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Slanesville, including physician locations, practice types, and resource availability, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize and analyze the data discussed in this analysis, offering a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.