26278, Mabie, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26278, Mabie, West Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.17 percent of the residents in 26278 has some form of health insurance. 36.27 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.37 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 26278 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 56 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26278. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 210 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 510 health care providers accessible to residents in 26278, Mabie, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26278 and Primary Care in Mabie

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within ZIP code 26278, specifically focusing on the Mabie area, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider factors crucial to COPD patient well-being, including physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced "COPD Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for this vulnerable population. This score is not a numerical value but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the elements below.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. In a rural area like Mabie, the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) is likely lower than in urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potentially, less frequent monitoring of COPD symptoms. Assessing the actual ratio requires data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population, factoring in the percentage of that population with COPD. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, would negatively impact the COPD Score. Furthermore, the type of physicians available matters. The presence of pulmonologists, specialists in lung diseases, is critical. Their proximity and availability for consultation and specialized care significantly improve outcomes for COPD patients.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves contribute to the COPD Score. Do practices actively participate in chronic disease management programs? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD treatment, including regular spirometry testing to assess lung function? The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs allow for better coordination of care, medication management, and the tracking of patient progress. Practices with well-integrated EHR systems, capable of sharing information seamlessly with specialists and pharmacies, would receive a higher score. The availability of on-site respiratory therapists or nurses trained in COPD management is another positive factor, offering patients readily accessible support and education.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide educational resources via telehealth can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden of travel for COPD patients. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms for follow-up appointments, medication reviews, and symptom management would receive a higher score. The quality of these platforms, including their ease of use and the ability to integrate with EHRs, is also a factor. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as pulse oximeters or peak flow meters, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health is critical for COPD patients. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with breathing difficulties, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is therefore a significant factor in the COPD Score. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing comprehensive care.

Analyzing the specific practices within ZIP code 26278, we must consider standout examples. Are there any practices known for their proactive COPD management programs? Do any have a particularly strong track record of patient outcomes? Identifying and highlighting these practices would provide valuable insights into best practices and potential models for improvement. These practices may have implemented specific strategies, such as patient education classes, smoking cessation programs, or regular support group meetings, that contribute to improved patient well-being.

The overall COPD Score for the Mabie area within ZIP code 26278 would be determined by synthesizing the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate good access to primary care, practices with strong COPD management programs, the widespread use of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A lower score would indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer outcomes for COPD patients. The score is not a static number but a reflection of the dynamic healthcare landscape.

To truly understand the spatial relationships and geographical factors influencing healthcare access in this area, a visual representation is invaluable. Understanding the location of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and the distribution of resources is key to assessing the real-world impact of the factors mentioned. The use of mapping tools can help visualize the data and highlight areas of need.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for COPD patients in ZIP code 26278, specifically focusing on the Mabie area. It emphasizes the importance of physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support. This detailed assessment is designed to provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system for this vulnerable population.

Are you interested in visualizing this data, exploring the spatial relationships, and identifying potential areas for improvement? **Contact CartoChrome maps today to gain a clear, data-driven understanding of healthcare access in your area.**