24712, Athens, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 24712, Athens, West Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.79 percent of the residents in 24712 has some form of health insurance. 54.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.94 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 24712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 790 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 399 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,409 health care providers accessible to residents in 24712, Athens, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24712 and Primary Care in Athens

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 24712 and the broader context of primary care accessibility in Athens, West Virginia. The "Arthritis Score" is a hypothetical construct, representing a composite of factors crucial for effective arthritis management, including physician density, access to specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all weighted towards the needs of arthritis patients. This score, for the purpose of this analysis, is not a quantifiable number but a qualitative assessment.

ZIP code 24712 encompasses a specific geographic area, likely a town or a portion of a larger county. The analysis begins by evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within this ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, presents a significant challenge for arthritis patients. Arthritis often requires frequent appointments for medication adjustments, physical therapy referrals, and ongoing monitoring. A scarcity of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, prolonged wait times for appointments, and difficulty in establishing a consistent patient-physician relationship, all detrimental to effective arthritis care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. This assessment considers the presence of PCPs with specific experience or training relevant to rheumatological conditions. While PCPs are not rheumatologists, their understanding of early arthritis symptoms, ability to initiate basic treatment, and willingness to refer patients promptly to specialists are critical. The analysis investigates the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between PCPs and specialists, ensuring seamless information flow and coordinated care, which is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients requiring multiple specialist consultations.

The analysis then broadens its scope to consider the broader primary care landscape in Athens, West Virginia. Athens, being a larger municipality, likely provides a more diverse range of healthcare options than the specific ZIP code. This includes the presence of larger medical groups, hospitals, and potentially, access to specialized services like rheumatology clinics. The "Arthritis Score" for Athens considers the ease of access to these resources. The analysis evaluates the average travel time to PCPs and rheumatology specialists from various points within Athens. Longer travel times can be a significant barrier to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations common in arthritis.

A crucial component of the "Arthritis Score" is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for arthritis patients, including remote monitoring of symptoms, virtual consultations, and access to educational resources. The analysis examines the availability of telemedicine services among PCPs in both ZIP code 24712 and Athens. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used, the range of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine receive a higher "Arthritis Score" due to their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical factor. Arthritis is a chronic condition that often co-exists with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. The "Arthritis Score" assesses the availability of mental health services within primary care practices and the broader healthcare ecosystem in Athens. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site therapists, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening tools into routine care. Practices that prioritize mental health support for their patients receive a higher score.

Standout practices, if any, are identified based on their commitment to patient-centered care. This includes factors such as extended office hours, same-day appointment availability, patient education programs, and proactive communication with patients. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other supportive services, are also highlighted. The analysis seeks to identify practices that demonstrate a holistic approach to arthritis management, going beyond simply treating symptoms to address the overall well-being of their patients.

The analysis acknowledges that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. It considers the presence of new technologies and innovations that could improve arthritis care. This includes the use of wearable devices for activity tracking, the availability of online patient portals for accessing medical records and communicating with providers, and the implementation of innovative treatment approaches. Practices that are early adopters of these technologies receive a higher "Arthritis Score" due to their commitment to providing cutting-edge care.

The analysis also assesses the affordability of care. This includes evaluating the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the transparency of pricing. The cost of healthcare can be a significant barrier to access, and practices that prioritize affordability receive a higher "Arthritis Score."

Finally, the analysis considers the patient experience. This includes evaluating patient reviews, assessing the ease of scheduling appointments, and gauging the overall satisfaction with the care received. Practices that prioritize patient satisfaction and provide a positive experience receive a higher "Arthritis Score."

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP code 24712 and primary care availability in Athens is a complex assessment. It is dependent on a multitude of factors, from the physician-to-patient ratio to the integration of mental health resources and the adoption of telemedicine. The ultimate goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the region and to provide insights that can help improve the care of arthritis patients.

**To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of primary care access in Athens and surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Use their platform to analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data to inform your healthcare decisions.**