26253, Beverly, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.35 percent of the residents in 26253 has some form of health insurance. 46.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.57 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 26253 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 946 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26253. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 608 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 389 health care providers accessible to residents in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) care within ZIP code 26253, encompassing the town of Beverly, West Virginia, with a focus on primary care availability and related resources. This evaluation, framed as a "COPD Score" analysis, considers factors crucial for effective COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests upon accessible primary care. In Beverly, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts patient outcomes. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where there are fewer patients per doctor, generally indicates better access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive management, and timely interventions. Conversely, a high ratio can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potential delays in diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Assessing this ratio is therefore a critical first step in evaluating the COPD care landscape. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the US Census Bureau can be utilized to calculate this ratio, offering a quantifiable measure of primary care accessibility.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, adherence to COPD treatment guidelines, and the utilization of evidence-based practices. This requires looking beyond simple metrics. Patient reviews, collected through online platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. The practices' adherence to guidelines, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), can be assessed through audits of patient records and the availability of relevant certifications. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are also likely to be strong contenders.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Beverly, where geographic barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve COPD management by providing remote consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The availability of telehealth services within primary care practices in 26253 can significantly impact patient outcomes. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer more convenient and accessible care, allowing patients to monitor their symptoms, receive timely interventions, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as those that track oxygen saturation levels or peak flow, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine.

COPD often coexists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact patients' quality of life and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive COPD care. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and access to mental health professionals is a key indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

The "COPD Score" for doctors in ZIP code 26253 would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare ecosystem with excellent access to primary care, high-quality practices, readily available telemedicine services, and comprehensive mental health support. A low score would suggest areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to telemedicine, and insufficient mental health resources.

Specifically, in Beverly, the assessment would consider the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. This would establish the physician-to-patient ratio. The analysis would then investigate the reputation and performance of local primary care practices, looking at patient reviews, adherence to COPD guidelines, and the availability of specialized services. The extent to which telemedicine has been integrated into these practices, including the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring, would be another key area of focus. Finally, the analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health support services, including on-site therapists, referrals to specialists, and the presence of support groups.

The creation of a comprehensive "COPD Score" for Beverly requires gathering and analyzing data from various sources. This includes public health data, patient reviews, practice websites, and interviews with healthcare providers. The resulting score would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas of strength and identifying opportunities for improvement. This data-driven approach is essential for creating a more effective and patient-centered healthcare system.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the COPD care landscape in Beverly. It emphasizes the importance of primary care access, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. By considering these factors, we can develop a more complete picture of the healthcare environment and identify areas where improvements are needed. This holistic approach is crucial for ensuring that patients with COPD receive the best possible care.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, telemedicine availability, and mental health services within and around ZIP code 26253, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.