26574, Grant Town, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26574, Grant Town, West Virginia is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.76 percent of the residents in 26574 has some form of health insurance. 48.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.27 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 26574 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26574. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 53 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,379 health care providers accessible to residents in 26574, Grant Town, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Grant Town, WV (ZIP Code 26574)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care resources within and serving Grant Town, West Virginia (ZIP code 26574), specifically focusing on factors relevant to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management. We will assess the landscape for physicians, telemedicine, mental health support, and overall accessibility, culminating in a hypothetical "COPD Score" ranking.

Grant Town, a small community in Marion County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access, typical of rural areas. The availability of primary care physicians is a crucial starting point. Physician-to-patient ratios are often significantly higher in rural settings compared to urban areas. This means fewer doctors are responsible for a larger population, potentially impacting appointment availability, wait times, and the overall ability to provide comprehensive care. A lower physician-to-patient ratio would contribute positively to our hypothetical COPD score.

Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and those readily accessible to Grant Town residents. This includes physicians in neighboring towns like Fairmont and Mannington, which are likely to serve as referral points. The proximity of these towns and the ease of transportation are critical factors. Limited public transportation options, common in rural areas, can further exacerbate access issues for individuals with COPD, who may experience breathing difficulties and reduced mobility.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These are clinics or medical groups demonstrating a commitment to COPD management. Factors to consider include the presence of pulmonologists (specialists in lung diseases), respiratory therapists, and dedicated COPD education programs. Practices actively participating in COPD research or clinical trials would also be highly valued. The availability of these specialized resources significantly impacts the quality of care and contributes favorably to the COPD score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical area. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to overcome geographical barriers, particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like COPD. It allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of vital signs. Practices utilizing telemedicine platforms for regular check-ups, medication refills, and patient education would score higher. The ease of use of these platforms and the availability of technical support for patients are also important considerations. Widespread telemedicine adoption significantly enhances the COPD score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the management of chronic illnesses, but they are essential for COPD patients. COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for overall well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services into their COPD care plans, either through in-house providers or readily accessible referrals, will receive a higher score. Availability of these resources is crucial for a strong COPD score.

The overall accessibility of healthcare services, including appointment scheduling, insurance acceptance, and cost of care, also influences the COPD score. Practices accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are vital in a community like Grant Town, where a significant portion of the population may rely on these programs. Clear and transparent pricing, along with financial assistance options, further enhance accessibility and contribute to a better COPD score.

To quantify these factors into a hypothetical COPD score, we would assign weights to each category. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might account for 20% of the score, while telemedicine adoption might account for 25%. The presence of specialized COPD programs could contribute 15%, mental health integration 20%, and accessibility 20%. Based on the available data, each practice would be assessed on these criteria, and a score would be calculated.

In the context of Grant Town, the final COPD score would reflect the collective strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. A high score would indicate a well-equipped system with readily available physicians, robust telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health support, and accessible services. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as a shortage of physicians, limited telemedicine adoption, or inadequate mental health resources.

This analysis, however, is limited by the lack of specific, real-time data. A comprehensive assessment would require gathering detailed information on physician availability, practice profiles, telemedicine platforms, mental health resources, and insurance acceptance. This data is often difficult to obtain and requires extensive research.

The hypothetical COPD score serves as a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Grant Town. It highlights the critical factors influencing COPD management and underscores the need for continuous improvement. A strong focus on physician recruitment, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and improved accessibility is essential to enhance the quality of life for COPD patients in this community.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Grant Town and surrounding areas, including detailed mapping of physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a comprehensive and interactive platform for visualizing healthcare data, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.