26865, Yellow Spring, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26865, Yellow Spring, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.88 percent of the residents in 26865 has some form of health insurance. 38.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.41 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 26865 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 158 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26865. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18 health care providers accessible to residents in 26865, Yellow Spring, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Yellow Spring, WV (ZIP Code 26865)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within the Yellow Spring, West Virginia ZIP code of 26865. It focuses on factors critical for COPD management, including physician access, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support, ultimately providing a COPD Score estimate.

The foundation of effective COPD care rests on accessible primary care. In ZIP code 26865, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical initial indicator. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. However, the rural nature of Yellow Spring and Hampshire County, in general, suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians. This scarcity, if present, would negatively impact the COPD Score. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potentially reduced access to specialized COPD management services.

The availability of primary care in Yellow Spring, and the surrounding Hampshire County, is also influenced by the presence of standout practices. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, online ratings, and information from local healthcare networks. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to chronic disease management, including COPD, are crucial. Key indicators include the availability of certified respiratory therapists, pulmonary function testing capabilities, and a structured approach to patient education regarding inhaler techniques, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. The presence of these resources significantly boosts the COPD Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly beneficial in rural areas like Yellow Spring. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring services from their homes. Practices offering telehealth options, especially those using remote monitoring devices like pulse oximeters and spirometers, would contribute positively to the COPD Score. The ability to remotely monitor patients' respiratory status, adjust medications, and provide timely interventions can significantly improve outcomes and reduce hospitalizations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration requires examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and analyzing information from healthcare provider directories.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of COPD management. The chronic nature of the disease, coupled with its impact on breathing and physical activity, can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential. This assessment requires identifying local mental health providers, exploring their expertise in chronic illness management, and evaluating the accessibility of their services, including insurance acceptance and telehealth options. The presence of robust mental health support services is a significant positive factor in the COPD Score.

Evaluating the overall COPD Score requires a composite approach. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is assigned a weighted value based on its relative importance in COPD management. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while a practice with certified respiratory therapists and robust telemedicine capabilities would positively influence it.

The COPD Score is not a static number but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape in Yellow Spring. It is essential to regularly update the assessment to reflect changes in physician availability, practice offerings, and the integration of new technologies. This ongoing evaluation ensures that patients have access to the best possible care.

In the context of Yellow Spring, the rural setting presents both challenges and opportunities. The challenges stem from potential physician shortages and limited access to specialized services. The opportunities lie in the potential for innovative solutions, such as telemedicine, to overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.

The COPD Score for ZIP code 26865 is ultimately determined by the interplay of these factors. Without specific, up-to-date data on physician numbers, practice offerings, and mental health resources, it is impossible to provide a precise numerical score. However, the framework outlined here provides a roadmap for a comprehensive assessment.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Yellow Spring, including the locations of healthcare providers, their specialties, and the availability of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare access, allowing for a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing COPD in this rural community.