25705, Huntington, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25705, Huntington, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.60 percent of the residents in 25705 has some form of health insurance. 40.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.93 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 25705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25705. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,488 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,292 health care providers accessible to residents in 25705, Huntington, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Huntington, WV (ZIP Code 25705) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the primary care landscape within Huntington, West Virginia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 25705, with a particular lens on resources and access related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'COPD Score' analysis, evaluating the availability and quality of care for individuals managing or at risk of this respiratory illness. The analysis incorporates factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all crucial for effective COPD management.

The prevalence of COPD is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with a history of heavy industry and smoking rates. Huntington, WV, and the surrounding areas, historically known for coal mining and manufacturing, likely experience a higher-than-average COPD burden. This makes access to quality primary care, and specialized respiratory services, critically important.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges:**

A key element of the COPD Score is the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 25705. Determining this requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. An ideal scenario would show a high density of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita. However, rural areas and those with socio-economic challenges often face shortages. If the physician-to-patient ratio is low, it indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and consistent care, a critical factor in COPD management. Delays in diagnosis, treatment, and regular monitoring can lead to exacerbations, hospitalizations, and a poorer quality of life.

The analysis must also consider the distribution of specialists, particularly pulmonologists, within the area. While PCPs are the first point of contact, access to respiratory specialists is essential for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment plans, and ongoing management of complex COPD cases. A limited number of pulmonologists in the area would negatively impact the COPD Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating specific clinics and healthcare providers within the ZIP code. This requires looking beyond basic physician numbers and assessing the quality of care provided. Factors to consider include:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Do physicians hold board certifications in pulmonology or internal medicine? These certifications often indicate a commitment to quality standards and specialized knowledge.
* **Patient Reviews and Ratings:** Online reviews and patient testimonials provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction.
* **COPD-Specific Programs:** Do practices offer specialized COPD programs, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation support, or disease management education? These programs are vital for empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.
* **Integration of Technology:** Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for seamless communication between providers and improved patient data management?

Practices that excel in these areas would contribute positively to the COPD Score, offering a higher level of care and support for COPD patients.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. The analysis must assess the extent of telemedicine adoption within the primary care practices of ZIP code 25705.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do physicians offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education? This can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or peak flow meters, to track patient symptoms and intervene proactively? This allows for early detection of exacerbations and reduces the need for emergency room visits.
* **Digital Health Platforms:** Are patients able to access their health information, communicate with their providers, and receive educational resources through online portals or mobile apps?

Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and can significantly improve the COPD Score.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

COPD often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate COPD symptoms and negatively impact overall health outcomes. Therefore, the analysis must evaluate the integration of mental health resources within the primary care practices.

* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Do practices routinely screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns?
* **Access to Mental Health Professionals:** Are mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers, available within the practice or through referral networks?
* **Integrated Care Models:** Do practices employ integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive care?

Practices that prioritize mental health screening and access to mental health services demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care and contribute positively to the COPD Score.

**Concluding Remarks and the Path Forward:**

The 'COPD Score' for ZIP code 25705, and the primary care landscape of Huntington, WV, is a complex assessment. It hinges on factors beyond physician counts, incorporating quality metrics, technological adoption, and mental health integration. The goal is to provide a snapshot of the resources available to individuals managing COPD. The analysis must consider not only the number of providers, but also the quality of care, the use of technology, and the integration of mental health services.

The information presented here is a starting point. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the primary care landscape and COPD-related resources, you should consider exploring interactive mapping tools.

**Call to Action:**

For a more in-depth visual analysis of the healthcare landscape in Huntington, WV, and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and potential access challenges, we encourage you to explore the power of geospatial data. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of healthcare resources, allowing you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the COPD care landscape. Visit CartoChrome maps today to discover the power of data visualization and improve your understanding of healthcare access in your community.