26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia COPD Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the COPD Score in 26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.85 percent of the residents in 26866 has some form of health insurance. 38.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.98 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 26866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 196 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26866. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 210 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 103 health care providers accessible to residents in 26866, Upper Tract, West Virginia.

## COPD Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26866 and Primary Care in Upper Tract

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care services, particularly concerning Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management, in Upper Tract, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26866) requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will delve into various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "COPD Score" assessment. This score, though not a precise numerical value, will reflect the overall preparedness of the local healthcare system to address the specific needs of COPD patients in this rural community.

The foundation of any COPD score hinges on the accessibility of primary care physicians. ZIP Code 26866, being a rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, presents a significant hurdle. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, delayed diagnoses and treatment for COPD. Information regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted. This data provides a baseline for understanding the immediate availability of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. Does a practice have physicians with specialized training or certifications in pulmonary medicine or COPD management? Are they actively involved in continuing medical education related to respiratory illnesses? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for COPD diagnosis and treatment, such as those established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)? Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and patient outcome tracking would score higher. Patient reviews, while not always definitive, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the overall experience of care.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity for improving COPD care in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with physicians for consultations, medication management, and even pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within the primary care practices of ZIP Code 26866 is vital. Do practices offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patients' vital signs and symptoms? Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to care and improving patient outcomes, particularly crucial for managing chronic conditions like COPD.

The link between COPD and mental health is well-established. Patients with COPD often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges due to the chronic nature of their illness, the limitations it imposes, and the potential for exacerbations. The availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is therefore an essential component of a comprehensive COPD score. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, readily accessible to patients? Do primary care practices have integrated mental health services or established referral pathways to mental health providers? The presence of support groups or educational programs for COPD patients and their families also contributes positively to the score.

Specific examples of practices within ZIP Code 26866 and the surrounding areas should be researched. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to COPD care, such as offering pulmonary function testing, providing patient education materials, or actively participating in COPD-related research or community outreach programs, would significantly enhance the overall score. The presence of a respiratory therapist within the practice or readily available access to respiratory therapy services is another positive indicator.

The “COPD Score” for doctors in ZIP Code 26866, therefore, is not simply a number but a composite assessment. It reflects the interplay of various factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care offered by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a healthcare system well-equipped to meet the needs of COPD patients, characterized by accessible primary care, proactive management strategies, and a supportive environment. A lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health services.

To fully understand the landscape of healthcare providers in Upper Tract and its surrounding areas, particularly in relation to COPD management, visualization tools can be invaluable. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, including the locations of healthcare providers, patient demographics, and health outcomes. By using CartoChrome maps, one can gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas where access to care may be limited. This information is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve COPD care in rural communities like Upper Tract.

The ability to overlay various data layers, such as physician locations, population density, and COPD prevalence rates, allows for a comprehensive analysis of the healthcare landscape. This visualization can reveal patterns and trends that might not be apparent through traditional data analysis methods. For example, it could identify areas with a high prevalence of COPD but limited access to primary care physicians or specialized pulmonary services.

**To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in ZIP Code 26866 and visualize the geographic distribution of care, explore the possibilities offered by CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome to map the data and visualize the healthcare landscape of Upper Tract, aiding in the development of solutions to improve COPD care.**