26181, Washington, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26181, Washington, West Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.08 percent of the residents in 26181 has some form of health insurance. 47.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.62 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 26181 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,435 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26181. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,859 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 412 health care providers accessible to residents in 26181, Washington, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26181 and Primary Care Availability in Washington

Analyzing the COPD landscape within ZIP Code 26181, coupled with the broader context of primary care availability in Washington, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a COPD Score assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately shaping a picture of respiratory care accessibility and quality.

The initial challenge lies in the limited scope of data available for such a localized assessment. While comprehensive national datasets exist, granular information specific to a single ZIP code and a single state is often proprietary or requires specialized access. Therefore, this analysis will rely on publicly available data, supplemented by reasonable assumptions based on general healthcare trends and regional characteristics.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Indicator**

A cornerstone of any COPD Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care quality. In ZIP Code 26181, located in Washington, the physician density could be affected by factors such as rurality, population demographics, and the presence of large healthcare systems.

Washington, like many states, faces challenges in physician distribution. Rural areas often experience shortages, forcing residents to travel further for appointments. The presence of a major hospital or clinic within or near 26181 would positively influence the ratio, offering more access to specialists and primary care physicians. Conversely, a predominantly rural or underserved population could exacerbate the issue.

**Identifying Standout Practices: Quality of Care**

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is crucial. Identifying standout practices requires examining factors like patient satisfaction scores, physician experience, and the adoption of evidence-based practices for COPD management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as the Chronic Disease Management Program, could be considered higher-performing.

Within ZIP Code 26181, identifying these practices would involve searching online reviews, consulting with local healthcare organizations, and potentially accessing publicly available data on physician performance metrics. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists and respiratory therapists would be a significant advantage, indicating a commitment to specialized care.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap**

Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for improving COPD care access, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and facilitating more frequent monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online educational resources, would receive a higher COPD Score.

The adoption of telemedicine within 26181 would depend on factors such as internet access, patient familiarity with technology, and the willingness of local physicians to integrate these tools into their practice. The presence of a robust telehealth infrastructure, supported by state or federal initiatives, would be a positive indicator.

**Mental Health Resources: A Holistic Approach**

COPD is a chronic illness that often has a significant impact on mental health. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive COPD care. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, either directly or through referrals, would contribute positively to the COPD Score.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources in 26181 would involve examining the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and access to medication management services would also be important.

**Specifics and Assumptions**

Without specific data for ZIP Code 26181, we must make some assumptions. We assume that Washington's overall healthcare landscape, including access to specialists and primary care physicians, is reasonably representative of the national average. We also assume that the rural nature of the area might present challenges in physician distribution and access to specialized care.

The COPD Score for 26181 would be influenced by the presence of a major hospital or clinic, the adoption of telemedicine by local practices, and the availability of mental health resources. The presence of board-certified pulmonologists and respiratory therapists would be a significant advantage.

**Overall COPD Score and Conclusion**

Based on these factors, the COPD Score for doctors in ZIP Code 26181 could be considered moderate. The availability of primary care physicians and specialists, coupled with the adoption of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources, would be key determinants of the score.

To gain a more precise understanding of the COPD landscape in this specific area, further research is needed. This includes accessing more detailed data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance metrics, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health services.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in your area, including physician locations, practice types, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide valuable insights into healthcare access and can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.