25534, Kiahsville, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25534, Kiahsville, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.45 percent of the residents in 25534 has some form of health insurance. 76.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 13.48 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 25534 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25534. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 315 health care providers accessible to residents in 25534, Kiahsville, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Kiahsville, WV (ZIP Code 25534)

The analysis below assesses the availability of primary care physicians and resources relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within ZIP Code 25534, encompassing the community of Kiahsville, West Virginia. This evaluation considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for COPD patients. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific geographic area.

Kiahsville, like many rural communities, often faces challenges in healthcare access. The geographical isolation, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, can create barriers to timely and effective medical care, particularly for chronic conditions like COPD. The prevalence of COPD in West Virginia is notably higher than the national average, making the availability and quality of respiratory care a critical public health concern.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental step in understanding access. Data on the exact number of primary care physicians actively practicing within ZIP Code 25534 is essential. Publicly available databases from organizations like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) can provide this information. Comparing the physician count to the population of Kiahsville allows for calculating a ratio (e.g., physicians per 1,000 residents). A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, receiving timely care, and building strong patient-physician relationships.

The analysis must go beyond simple ratios. It's crucial to investigate the characteristics of the primary care practices serving Kiahsville. Are there solo practitioners, or are they part of larger group practices or hospital systems? Group practices often offer advantages like extended hours, access to a wider range of specialists, and shared resources. The presence of specialists, such as pulmonologists, within a reasonable travel distance is also a significant factor. Direct access to respiratory therapists is another critical component of COPD management, and their availability should be examined.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Does a practice actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to COPD care? Do they adhere to national guidelines for COPD management, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, to accurately diagnose and monitor COPD? Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, accessibility, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive medication management, and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The analysis should determine which primary care practices in Kiahsville offer telemedicine services, the types of services provided, and the technologies used. This includes assessing the availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or peak flow rates.

Mental health resources are integral to COPD care. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and daily activities, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within Kiahsville or nearby communities. Are these providers accepting new patients? Do they have experience working with individuals with chronic respiratory conditions? Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is critical for providing holistic care.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and educational programs for COPD patients. These resources can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, improve their quality of life, and reduce the need for hospitalizations. Local hospitals, community health centers, and the American Lung Association are potential sources of information about such programs.

Furthermore, the analysis should assess the availability of resources related to smoking cessation. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and helping patients quit smoking is a crucial intervention. Does the primary care practices in Kiahsville offer smoking cessation counseling, medication, or referrals to specialized programs?

The overall COPD Score for Kiahsville will be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, and the availability of support programs. This score will be a relative assessment, comparing Kiahsville to other similar rural communities.

The final analysis will conclude with recommendations for improving COPD care in Kiahsville. These recommendations may include strategies for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding access to mental health services, and enhancing patient education and support.

The analysis, however, is limited by the availability of data. The accuracy of the assessment depends on the completeness and reliability of the information obtained from public databases, healthcare providers, and other sources. Further research, including direct contact with local healthcare providers, may be necessary to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kiahsville.