26250, Belington, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26250, Belington, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.19 percent of the residents in 26250 has some form of health insurance. 45.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.15 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 26250 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26250. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 957 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,093 health care providers accessible to residents in 26250, Belington, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Belington, WV (ZIP Code 26250)

This analysis provides a COPD Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP Code 26250 (Belington, WV), focusing on primary care availability and associated factors crucial for managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in this specific geographic area.

Belington, a small town nestled in the Appalachian region, faces unique healthcare challenges. Rural communities often experience shortages of healthcare professionals, limited access to specialized services, and socioeconomic factors that can exacerbate COPD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation must consider these contextual realities.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

Accurate physician-to-patient ratio data is essential for assessing primary care availability. While specific figures fluctuate, Belington, like many rural areas, likely experiences a lower physician density compared to urban centers. This shortage directly impacts access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and poorer COPD management. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is critical because they serve as the gatekeepers to specialized pulmonary care and provide ongoing management of the disease.

The analysis must consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, their patient load, and their willingness to accept new patients. Practices with longer wait times and closed panels indicate limited availability, posing a significant challenge for individuals seeking timely care. Furthermore, the age and experience of PCPs within the area should be factored in, as this can influence their comfort level and expertise in managing COPD.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices requires examining their operational models, the services they offer, and their commitment to COPD management. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive pulmonary function testing (PFTs), and actively participate in disease management programs demonstrate a higher level of care.

Practices with dedicated respiratory therapists or nurses specializing in COPD management are highly valuable. These professionals can provide crucial patient education, medication management support, and regular monitoring of lung function. The presence of on-site pulmonary rehabilitation programs is another indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive COPD care.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a critical factor. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, enable better tracking of patient data, and improve medication adherence. Practices utilizing EHRs effectively are better positioned to provide coordinated and proactive care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address access barriers in rural areas. Its adoption rate within Belington is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of vital signs are enhancing patient convenience and reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

The type of telemedicine services offered is also important. Simple video consultations are helpful, but practices offering remote monitoring of lung function, such as through spirometry devices, provide a more comprehensive approach to COPD management. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support is particularly crucial, as COPD patients often experience anxiety and depression.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities that can worsen COPD symptoms and overall quality of life. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the COPD Score.

The analysis must assess the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists within the area. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is ideal, as it facilitates seamless coordination of care. Practices that screen patients for depression and anxiety, and provide referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care.

The availability of support groups and educational programs for both COPD patients and their caregivers is also important. These resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. The integration of mental health services, including access to support groups, significantly improves the overall COPD Score.

**Conclusion:**

The COPD Score for physicians in Belington, WV (ZIP Code 26250) is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential for a precise score, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape. The availability of primary care, the quality of practice operations, the integration of telemedicine, and access to mental health support are all critical components of a comprehensive COPD management system.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare resources available in Belington and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful data visualization tools that can help you identify healthcare providers, assess access to care, and analyze healthcare trends in your community.