26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.83 percent of the residents in 26425 has some form of health insurance. 56.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 26425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 185 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 279 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28 health care providers accessible to residents in 26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Rowlesburg, WV (ZIP Code 26425)

Rowlesburg, West Virginia, nestled within ZIP code 26425, presents a unique challenge when assessing COPD care. The area's rural nature, coupled with potential environmental factors and demographic characteristics, requires a nuanced approach to evaluate the availability and quality of care for individuals suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This analysis will delve into the critical aspects of COPD care, focusing on physician availability, practice performance, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive COPD Score assessment.

The foundation of effective COPD management rests on the accessibility of primary care physicians. In Rowlesburg, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, reflecting a scarcity of doctors, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring. The analysis must determine the actual ratio, considering the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau will be essential to ascertain this ratio. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the potential impact of commuting patterns. Patients may travel outside of Rowlesburg for care, influencing the effective physician-to-patient ratio and impacting the overall COPD Score.

Identifying standout practices is paramount. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate excellence in COPD management. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include the percentage of patients receiving annual pulmonary function tests (PFTs), the rate of adherence to prescribed medications, and the frequency of hospitalizations and emergency room visits related to COPD exacerbations. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Lung Association or the COPD Foundation, should be recognized. Patient satisfaction surveys, although often subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care. Researching local hospitals and clinics in the area can help identify practices with a strong track record in pulmonary care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations, medication management, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs remotely. The analysis must investigate the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring devices (e.g., for oxygen saturation and heart rate), and the integration of telemedicine into existing care pathways. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient self-management.

The often-overlooked aspect of COPD care is the integration of mental health resources. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the community and the extent to which primary care practices screen for and address mental health concerns in their COPD patients. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the availability of support groups and educational resources. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their COPD patients can improve their overall quality of life and adherence to treatment plans.

The environmental factors in Rowlesburg could also affect the COPD Score. The analysis should consider the potential impact of air quality, exposure to environmental pollutants, and the prevalence of smoking within the community. Information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local health departments can provide valuable insights into air quality and environmental risk factors. The analysis should also examine the availability of smoking cessation programs and other preventative measures.

The overall COPD Score for Rowlesburg, WV (26425) will be a composite score derived from the factors discussed above. A higher score would indicate better access to care, higher quality of treatment, and a more comprehensive approach to COPD management. The score would be determined by weighting each factor based on its perceived importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialist care might be weighted more heavily than the adoption of telemedicine. The final score would be presented in a way that is easily understood by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the specific needs of the population within Rowlesburg. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation can significantly impact access to care. The analysis should identify any disparities in care and make recommendations for addressing them.

The analysis will not only provide a snapshot of the current state of COPD care in Rowlesburg but also identify areas for improvement. The recommendations might include increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding access to mental health services, and implementing targeted public health interventions to address environmental risk factors.

The analysis will also consider the impact of any recent changes in healthcare policy or funding that might affect COPD care in the area. This includes the availability of grants, the implementation of new payment models, and any changes in insurance coverage.

Ultimately, the goal of this COPD Score analysis is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Rowlesburg. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system, stakeholders can work together to improve the quality of care for individuals suffering from COPD and enhance the overall health of the community.

To further explore the data and visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital access, and environmental factors impacting COPD care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools and data visualization capabilities to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors influencing COPD care in Rowlesburg and beyond.