26623, Frametown, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26623, Frametown, West Virginia is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 26623 has some form of health insurance. 53.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.72 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 26623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 338 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26623. 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 239 health care providers accessible to residents in 26623, Frametown, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Frametown, WV (ZIP Code 26623)

Frametown, West Virginia, a small community nestled in the Appalachian region, faces unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of primary care resources within ZIP code 26623, focusing on factors that directly impact COPD management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "COPD Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on accessible primary care. In Frametown, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data, such as that from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, can be used to estimate this ratio. A concerningly high ratio would significantly lower the COPD score, indicating a significant barrier to quality care. Conversely, a more favorable ratio would contribute positively to the score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type and quality of primary care practices are paramount. The presence of practices with a demonstrated focus on respiratory health, such as those employing pulmonologists or nurses with specialized COPD training, is a key indicator. These practices often have a deeper understanding of the disease and can provide more comprehensive care, including pulmonary function testing, medication management, and patient education. The "COPD Score" would be elevated for practices that actively participate in COPD-specific programs, adhere to established treatment guidelines (like those from the GOLD initiative), and demonstrate a commitment to patient education and self-management strategies.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Frametown. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and even some initial consultations. The "COPD Score" would be positively impacted by practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing patients with convenient access to care. This includes the availability of virtual visits, remote monitoring tools (like devices that track oxygen saturation or peak flow), and secure communication platforms for sharing health information. The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the ease of use and the types of services offered, would influence the score.

COPD is a chronic condition that often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. The impact of these conditions on COPD management can be significant, leading to poorer adherence to treatment plans, increased exacerbations, and a diminished quality of life. The "COPD Score" must therefore consider the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or in the broader community. Practices that integrate mental health screenings, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists would receive a higher score. The availability of support groups, educational programs addressing mental health concerns, and access to psychiatric medications are all crucial factors.

Frametown, like many rural communities, may face challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. This can lead to a shortage of specialists and a reliance on general practitioners to manage complex conditions like COPD. The "COPD Score" would reflect the presence (or absence) of specialized pulmonology services or the availability of visiting specialists. A lack of these resources would negatively impact the score, highlighting the need for strategies to improve access to specialized care. This might include partnerships with larger healthcare systems, telehealth consultations with specialists, or mobile respiratory clinics.

In assessing the "COPD Score" for Frametown, it is important to identify standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in COPD care. These practices might be recognized for their patient-centered approach, their use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, or their innovative approaches to patient education and self-management. The "COPD Score" would highlight these practices as models for others to emulate. This might involve identifying practices that have received awards or recognition for their COPD care, or those that have implemented specific programs to improve patient outcomes.

The quality of care is not solely determined by the availability of resources; patient experience is also a crucial factor. The "COPD Score" should consider patient satisfaction surveys, feedback from patient advocacy groups, and measures of patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices that actively solicit and respond to patient feedback, and that demonstrate high levels of patient satisfaction, would receive a higher score. This might involve implementing patient-centered care models, providing clear and concise communication, and empowering patients to actively participate in their own care.

In conclusion, the "COPD Score" for Frametown, WV (ZIP code 26623) is a complex assessment that requires a multi-faceted approach. The analysis must consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient experience. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. This analysis serves as a starting point for further investigation and action, ultimately aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Frametown.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Frametown and other communities, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to use CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the availability of primary care, the location of specialized services, and other factors relevant to COPD management.