26807, Franklin, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.38 percent of the residents in 26807 has some form of health insurance. 48.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 26807 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 455 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26807. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20 health care providers accessible to residents in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26807 and Primary Care Availability in Franklin, WV

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, within ZIP code 26807 (Franklin, West Virginia) presents a complex challenge. This rural area, nestled within Pendleton County, faces inherent limitations common to many geographically isolated communities. The COPD score, a hypothetical construct for this analysis, will consider factors relevant to effective COPD care, including physician availability, resource access, and innovative care delivery models. The goal is to paint a picture of the current landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Pendleton County likely fall below the national average. This scarcity of healthcare providers directly impacts access to primary care, the cornerstone of COPD management. Patients with COPD require regular check-ups, medication management, and education to control their condition. A low physician-to-patient ratio means longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. This situation is exacerbated by the aging population in the area, a demographic particularly vulnerable to COPD.

The primary care landscape in Franklin, WV, is likely dominated by a few key practices. Identifying these practices and their individual strengths is crucial for a comprehensive COPD score assessment. Factors to consider include the number of primary care physicians employed, the availability of specialized respiratory therapists or pulmonologists (even on a consulting basis), and the practice's commitment to COPD education programs. Practices that actively participate in community outreach, offer patient education materials, and collaborate with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence would score higher on the COPD score.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve COPD care in this rural setting. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with breathing difficulties. The COPD score should consider the availability of telemedicine services, including video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs (e.g., oxygen saturation), and virtual support groups. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies and integrate them seamlessly into their COPD management protocols would be favorably positioned.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical component of COPD care. Living with COPD can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The COPD score must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that screen for mental health issues, provide referrals to mental health professionals, or integrate mental health services into their care plans would demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care and receive a higher COPD score.

Specific practices in Franklin, WV, would need to be individually assessed to determine their COPD score. Without detailed information about each practice's resources, staffing, and practices, a definitive ranking is impossible. However, we can hypothesize about what constitutes a high-scoring practice. Such a practice would likely: employ a sufficient number of primary care physicians to meet the needs of the community; have established protocols for COPD screening, diagnosis, and treatment; offer patient education materials and support groups; actively utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments and remote monitoring; and have strong referral pathways to mental health services.

Conversely, a practice with a low COPD score might struggle with physician shortages, lack dedicated COPD-specific resources, offer limited patient education, and have a poor track record of telemedicine adoption. Such a practice might also lack established referral pathways for mental health support.

The overall COPD score for the 26807 ZIP code is likely to be moderate, reflecting the challenges inherent in rural healthcare delivery. While dedicated practices may be providing excellent care, the limited resources and geographic isolation present significant barriers to optimal COPD management. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes recruiting and retaining healthcare providers, expanding access to telemedicine services, increasing mental health support, and fostering collaboration between primary care practices, specialists, and community organizations.

The COPD score is not merely a numerical ranking; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. Improving this score requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. This effort should prioritize patient education, early intervention, and comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals living with COPD.

The future of COPD care in Franklin, WV, depends on the ability of the community to adapt and innovate. Embracing technological advancements, strengthening community partnerships, and prioritizing patient-centered care are crucial steps toward improving the COPD score and, more importantly, the lives of those affected by this debilitating disease. The availability of accurate and up-to-date geographic information is also critical for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas of need.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and other relevant data points within ZIP code 26807 and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and intuitive platform for visualizing complex datasets, revealing patterns, and identifying opportunities for improvement in healthcare delivery. Contact CartoChrome maps today to learn more about how their mapping solutions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Franklin, WV, and beyond.