25646, Stollings, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25646, Stollings, West Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.06 percent of the residents in 25646 has some form of health insurance. 71.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.08 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 25646 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 372 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25646. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 570 health care providers accessible to residents in 25646, Stollings, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25646 & Primary Care in Stollings

Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in Stollings, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25646) reveals a complex landscape. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score, a qualitative assessment of the existing infrastructure, resources, and accessibility of care for individuals managing this chronic respiratory illness. The score will consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management.

Stollings, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. Determining a precise COPD Score requires granular data, including the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code, their patient load, and their specific training and experience with COPD. Publicly available data sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the West Virginia Board of Medicine can provide some of this information, but the accuracy of a comprehensive score relies on more detailed local information.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a higher ratio, while preferable, does not guarantee quality of care. The training and expertise of the PCPs in COPD management are equally vital. Do they have experience managing complex cases? Are they up-to-date on the latest treatment guidelines? These factors significantly impact the quality of care patients receive.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a nuanced understanding of local healthcare providers. This involves examining factors such as patient reviews, the availability of specialized equipment like spirometry for lung function testing, and the practice's commitment to patient education and self-management programs. Practices that actively engage in these activities are more likely to provide comprehensive COPD care. Further, the availability of pulmonary specialists, although not primary care, is a significant factor in the overall COPD Score. Patients with complex cases often require referral to these specialists, and their proximity and availability impact the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers a crucial lifeline for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and providing access to consultations, monitoring, and education. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, such as virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve the accessibility and convenience of COPD care. This is especially important for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. The degree of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered, directly impacts the COPD Score.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health support is also crucial. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care models, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. The availability of mental health resources, including access to therapists and support groups, is a significant factor in determining the COPD Score.

The COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 25646, and the primary care availability in Stollings, would therefore be a composite of these factors. Without specific, granular data, a precise score is impossible. However, we can illustrate a potential scoring system:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Low ratio (e.g., 1:2000 or higher) would negatively impact the score. A high ratio (e.g., 1:500 or lower) would positively impact the score.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Practices offering comprehensive COPD management, including spirometry, patient education, and self-management programs, would receive a higher score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for consultations, monitoring, and education would receive a higher score. Limited or no telemedicine use would negatively impact the score.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Practices integrating mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, would receive a higher score. The absence of mental health support would negatively impact the score.
* **Specialist Access:** The proximity and availability of pulmonary specialists would positively impact the score.

A hypothetical COPD Score for the area might be considered "Fair" or "Needs Improvement" based on the challenges inherent to rural healthcare. If the physician-to-patient ratio is high, telemedicine adoption is limited, and mental health resources are scarce, the score would be lower. If the area has a dedicated pulmonologist, and PCPs actively use telemedicine and offer mental health support, the score would be higher.

To improve the COPD Score, several interventions are possible. Recruiting more PCPs and pulmonary specialists to the area would be a primary goal. Promoting telemedicine adoption through training and infrastructure support would be beneficial. Furthermore, integrating mental health services into COPD care models and establishing support groups for patients would be crucial. Increasing public awareness about COPD and the available resources is also vital.

For those seeking to visualize and understand the healthcare landscape of Stollings and surrounding areas, including physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and identifying areas where resources are needed most.