26146, Friendly, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26146, Friendly, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.36 percent of the residents in 26146 has some form of health insurance. 53.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.87 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 26146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 308 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 378 health care providers accessible to residents in 26146, Friendly, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26146 & Primary Care in Friendly, WV

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 26146, which encompasses Friendly, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the existing medical landscape, focusing on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine utilization, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a COPD score, offering a nuanced understanding of the support available to patients in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any COPD score lies in the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric directly impacts access to care. A low ratio, meaning a small number of doctors serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in the overall quality of care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Determining the exact ratio within 26146 requires access to detailed demographic data and physician practice information. Publicly available resources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine can provide some of this data, but a comprehensive analysis necessitates a deeper dive into local healthcare networks.

Identifying standout practices is crucial for assessing the quality of care. This involves looking beyond simple physician counts and evaluating factors such as the experience of the physicians, their specialized training in pulmonary medicine or related fields, and their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for COPD management. Does the practice offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing? Are there dedicated respiratory therapists on staff? Do they actively participate in patient education programs focused on self-management techniques, including smoking cessation support? Practices that excel in these areas would contribute positively to the COPD score.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. In a rural area like Friendly, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improving access to specialists and providing convenient follow-up care. Does the local primary care network offer telehealth consultations for COPD patients? Are virtual monitoring tools, such as remote oxygen saturation tracking, utilized to proactively manage patient health? Practices embracing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and can significantly enhance the COPD score.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked, but it is vital for COPD patients. Living with COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. A comprehensive COPD care plan must address these issues. Does the primary care network have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or therapists, who are experienced in treating individuals with chronic respiratory conditions? Are these services readily accessible and affordable? Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients will receive a higher COPD score.

To construct the COPD score, a weighted scoring system would be applied. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a key component, with a higher ratio contributing positively. The presence of specialized physicians, such as pulmonologists, would also significantly boost the score. Practices demonstrating excellence in patient education, offering comprehensive pulmonary function testing, and utilizing telemedicine would receive additional points. The availability of mental health resources would be another critical factor, contributing significantly to the overall score.

The final COPD score would be a numerical representation of the quality and accessibility of primary care for COPD patients in 26146. It would provide a valuable snapshot of the current healthcare landscape. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. The score is only as accurate as the data used to create it. Furthermore, it does not account for individual patient experiences or the nuances of specific doctor-patient relationships.

The analysis requires a careful examination of the medical infrastructure in Friendly. The local hospital, if any, and its affiliations with larger healthcare systems, are essential pieces of the puzzle. The availability of specialists, such as pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, is crucial. The analysis needs to consider the presence of community health centers or other organizations that provide healthcare services to underserved populations.

The specific practices within 26146 need to be individually assessed. Their websites, if any, and online presence should be reviewed to gain insights into their services and patient reviews. The analysis could also include direct outreach to these practices to gather more detailed information about their COPD care protocols and resources.

The integration of mental health services is an important component. Many patients with COPD experience anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate their symptoms. The availability of mental health professionals and support groups is a key factor in improving patient outcomes.

Telemedicine, as mentioned, can play a crucial role in improving access to care, especially in rural areas. The analysis should investigate the availability of telemedicine services for COPD patients, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. This includes the affordability of healthcare services, transportation challenges, and the availability of insurance coverage.

The COPD score, when completed, will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in 26146. It can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to enhance access to quality care for individuals with COPD.

In conclusion, the COPD score for doctors in ZIP code 26146, and primary care availability in Friendly, West Virginia, is a complex metric. It is impacted by a variety of factors, from physician-to-patient ratios and the presence of specialized care to the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources. The final score, and its utility, hinges on the thoroughness of the data collection and the rigor of the analytical methodology.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 26146 and explore the factors influencing the COPD score, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare resources, and demographic data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and its impact on COPD patients.