25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25920 has some form of health insurance. 53.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.63 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 25920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 143 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25920. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 61 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 177 health care providers accessible to residents in 25920, Slab Fork, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Slab Fork, WV (ZIP Code 25920)

The analysis below assesses the quality of COPD care and primary care availability within Slab Fork, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25920). This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing a chronic respiratory condition like COPD. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals living with or at risk of developing COPD in this specific geographical area.

Slab Fork, a small community, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The area's rural nature often translates to limited access to specialized medical care, including pulmonologists and respiratory therapists. This scarcity necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure capable of managing COPD effectively. The physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Publicly available data regarding physician distribution, ideally broken down by specialty, is essential for determining the actual ratio. Without that data, a precise ratio cannot be calculated; however, it is fair to assume that Slab Fork likely experiences a lower physician-to-patient ratio than more urban areas.

Evaluating "standout practices" requires examining the quality of care provided by the primary care physicians within the ZIP code. This includes assessing their experience with COPD management, their adherence to current clinical guidelines, and their utilization of diagnostic tools such as spirometry. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to COPD care, including regular patient education, smoking cessation programs, and proactive medication management, would be considered "standout." Further, the presence of certified respiratory therapists (CRTs) within a practice would be a significant advantage, providing patients with specialized expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing techniques. Identifying these practices often involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing online reviews, and consulting with local healthcare advocacy groups.

Telemedicine adoption represents a vital component of accessible healthcare in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources via online platforms can significantly improve COPD management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education sessions, are better equipped to serve their patients, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The availability of telehealth services can also mitigate the impact of physician shortages by extending the reach of existing providers. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves identifying practices that offer these services and evaluating the user-friendliness and effectiveness of their platforms.

Mental health resources are integral to comprehensive COPD care. Individuals with COPD frequently experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness and the impact it has on their daily lives. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their COPD care plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being. This includes offering on-site mental health services, providing referrals to qualified professionals, and educating patients about the connection between mental and physical health. The availability of these resources often depends on the presence of local mental health clinics, the willingness of primary care physicians to address mental health concerns, and the accessibility of telehealth-based mental health services.

In the absence of specific data, a general assessment of the situation in Slab Fork can be made. Given the area's rurality, it is likely that primary care physicians are the primary point of contact for COPD patients. The effectiveness of COPD care then hinges on their expertise, resources, and the support they receive from the broader healthcare system. The level of telemedicine adoption might be lower compared to more urban areas, potentially limiting access to specialized care and educational resources. Mental health resources could also be limited, necessitating patients to travel to access mental health support.

The overall "COPD Score" for Slab Fork, therefore, is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. The challenges of rural healthcare, including physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and potential barriers to telemedicine adoption, likely impact the quality of care. The presence of standout practices, offering comprehensive COPD management, and the availability of mental health resources would be crucial factors in improving this score.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Slab Fork and to visualize the distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their platform allows for the creation of detailed maps, providing a visual representation of the healthcare resources available in your community.