26726, Keyser, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26726, Keyser, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.26 percent of the residents in 26726 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.21 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 26726 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,466 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26726. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,607 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 446 health care providers accessible to residents in 26726, Keyser, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Keyser, WV (ZIP Code 26726)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically focusing on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management within Keyser, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26726), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the current landscape of primary care physicians, their capacity to serve the population, the adoption of technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in providing comprehensive COPD care. The ultimate goal is to provide a 'COPD Score' assessment, offering a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals living with this chronic respiratory illness.

The foundation of COPD care rests heavily on the accessibility of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio in Keyser is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care, all detrimental to COPD management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more proactive and consistent patient care. Assessing the actual number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, and comparing that to the population size, is the initial step in determining this ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with demographic information from the U.S. Census Bureau, can provide this essential data.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are also vital. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate the needs of patients with chronic conditions? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as spirometry, essential for accurately diagnosing and monitoring COPD? Practices that proactively manage COPD patients, offering regular check-ups, pulmonary function tests, and personalized treatment plans, will naturally receive higher scores in this assessment.

Identifying standout practices within Keyser is key. These are the clinics and individual physicians who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in COPD care. This might involve actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, utilizing evidence-based guidelines for treatment, and consistently achieving positive patient outcomes. Information on patient satisfaction, obtained through surveys or online reviews, can also be a valuable indicator of a practice's quality. Practices that actively engage with their patients, providing education about COPD management, encouraging smoking cessation, and offering support groups, would be considered exemplary.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape, particularly for managing chronic conditions like COPD. Telemedicine allows physicians to remotely monitor patients, conduct virtual consultations, and provide medication management, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas, such as Keyser. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, utilizing secure video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, will receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth options can significantly improve access to care and reduce the burden on both patients and the healthcare system.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial element of comprehensive COPD care. COPD can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for addressing these challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, also contributes to a patient's overall well-being and should be considered in the assessment.

Beyond the immediate healthcare environment, the availability of community resources plays a role. The presence of local pharmacies that offer respiratory medications and services, such as nebulizer training, is important. Similarly, the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which provide structured exercise and education, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. Access to these resources, and the ease with which patients can navigate them, contributes to the overall COPD Score.

The 'COPD Score' for Keyser (26726) is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of community support. The score will be higher for communities that have a high physician-to-patient ratio, practices that provide comprehensive care, and readily available telemedicine and mental health resources.

This analysis offers a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Keyser, WV. For a more detailed and interactive visualization of the data, including geographical mapping of physician locations and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.