26184, Waverly, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26184, Waverly, West Virginia is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.04 percent of the residents in 26184 has some form of health insurance. 32.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.84 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 26184 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 861 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26184. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 281 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 481 health care providers accessible to residents in 26184, Waverly, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26184 and Primary Care Availability in Waverly

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Waverly, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26184) requires a multi-faceted approach. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, all crucial for effective COPD management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 26184 is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita, can significantly impact access to care. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data from reputable sources like the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with publicly available physician directories, are essential to calculate this ratio accurately. A low ratio necessitates exploring options to improve access, such as incentivizing physician recruitment or utilizing telehealth.

The characteristics of primary care practices within the ZIP code are equally important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying patient needs? Do they have on-site diagnostic capabilities like spirometry, a crucial test for COPD diagnosis and monitoring? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including readily available diagnostic tools and flexible scheduling, receive higher scores. Moreover, the presence of certified respiratory therapists (RRTs) or dedicated COPD educators within the practice significantly enhances patient care, providing specialized support and education.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in improving COPD care access, especially in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating follow-up appointments, medication management, and symptom monitoring. Practices that actively utilize telehealth platforms for these purposes are better equipped to manage COPD patients effectively. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters and peak flow meters, further enhances the ability to provide timely interventions and prevent exacerbations. Assessing the type of telehealth platform employed, its user-friendliness, and the level of technical support provided to patients is crucial.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in COPD management, yet they are integral to patient well-being. COPD can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Primary care practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment options into their care plans are better positioned to provide holistic support. This includes having on-site mental health professionals, establishing referral pathways to mental health specialists, and providing educational materials on coping strategies. The availability of support groups or pulmonary rehabilitation programs also contributes to a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

Identifying standout practices within 26184 requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. Practices that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, such as high physician-to-patient ratios, comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, proactive telemedicine utilization, and robust mental health support, deserve recognition. These practices often exhibit a patient-centered approach, prioritizing communication, education, and shared decision-making. Examining patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and identify practices that consistently deliver high-quality care.

Evaluating the overall availability of primary care in Waverly involves considering the geographic distribution of practices. Are practices clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? Analyzing the accessibility of public transportation and the availability of home healthcare services is also crucial. Patients with COPD often face mobility challenges, making access to care difficult. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not a simple numerical value but a composite assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. The score would be based on a weighted system, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups. Data collection would involve a combination of publicly available information, practice surveys, and patient interviews. This data is then analyzed to generate a comprehensive COPD Score, providing a valuable tool for assessing the quality and accessibility of COPD care in Waverly.

The final analysis will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in 26184. This includes identifying areas where access to care is limited, practices that are excelling in COPD management, and opportunities for improvement. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of individuals with COPD in Waverly.

The creation of a detailed map visualizing these factors would be incredibly beneficial. Imagine seeing the physician-to-patient ratio overlaid with the location of practices, the availability of telehealth services, and the presence of mental health resources – all in one place. This visual representation would empower patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about COPD care.

To truly visualize the landscape of COPD care in Waverly and gain a deeper understanding of the factors at play, explore the power of data visualization. **Visit CartoChrome maps to see how you can bring this data to life and make informed decisions about healthcare accessibility and quality.**