24871, Pageton, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 24871 has some form of health insurance. 88.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.09 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 24871 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24871. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 108 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24871 and Primary Care Availability in Pageton

The analysis focuses on assessing the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 24871, with a specific focus on Pageton, West Virginia. This evaluation considers factors relevant to arthritis patients, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment, acknowledging that a true numerical score requires access to detailed patient data, which is beyond the scope of this analysis. Instead, a qualitative ranking is provided, based on publicly available information and generally accepted healthcare industry benchmarks.

Pageton, a small community within 24871, presents unique challenges for healthcare access. The area's rural setting often translates to a lower concentration of physicians compared to urban centers. This scarcity can significantly impact the ability of arthritis patients to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management of their condition. The analysis begins by examining the physician-to-patient ratio.

Estimating the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 24871 requires data from the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine. However, based on the rural nature of the region and the general shortage of physicians in West Virginia, it is highly probable that the ratio is less favorable compared to national averages. This means there are likely fewer primary care physicians available to serve the population, increasing the burden on each doctor and potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments. This scarcity directly impacts arthritis patients, who often require frequent check-ups and adjustments to their treatment plans.

The evaluation of primary care practices within 24871 focuses on their characteristics and services relevant to arthritis patients. Key considerations include the presence of board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family medicine, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray), and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices with these features are generally better equipped to provide comprehensive care for arthritis patients.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and proactive management of chronic conditions. This includes practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, provide patient education materials, and coordinate care with specialists, such as rheumatologists and physical therapists. The presence of these features suggests a higher level of care for arthritis patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas with limited mobility or transportation options. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering secure video conferencing and patient portals, receive a higher rating in the "Arthritis Score" assessment.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain and disability can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care for arthritis patients. The availability of these resources is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of its patients.

The analysis considers the impact of these factors on the "Arthritis Score" for primary care availability in Pageton. Practices with a lower physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to diagnostic services, and a lack of telemedicine adoption would receive a lower score. Conversely, practices with a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio, comprehensive services, robust telemedicine capabilities, and strong mental health support would receive a higher score.

The assessment of primary care availability also considers the overall healthcare infrastructure in Pageton. This includes the presence of hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities that can provide support to primary care physicians and patients. The proximity of these facilities and the ease of access to them are important considerations.

Furthermore, the analysis acknowledges that the quality of care can vary even among practices with similar characteristics. The individual skills and experience of the physicians, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall patient experience all contribute to the "Arthritis Score." This assessment attempts to capture these nuances by considering patient reviews, online ratings, and other publicly available information.

The "Arthritis Score" assessment is not a static measure. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and care models emerging regularly. The analysis recognizes the importance of staying current with these developments and adapting the assessment criteria accordingly.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Pageton also considers the role of community resources. This includes the availability of support groups, patient education programs, and other community-based initiatives that can help arthritis patients manage their condition. The presence of these resources can supplement the care provided by primary care physicians and contribute to a more supportive healthcare environment.

The analysis also recognizes the importance of patient advocacy and empowerment. Arthritis patients who are well-informed about their condition, actively involved in their treatment decisions, and have access to resources that support their self-management are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Primary care practices that promote patient education and engagement receive a higher rating in the "Arthritis Score" assessment.

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" assessment for doctors in ZIP code 24871, specifically in Pageton, West Virginia, is a complex undertaking. It requires a multifaceted approach that considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. While a definitive numerical score is unattainable with the available data, this analysis provides a qualitative ranking based on the factors most relevant to arthritis patients.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Pageton and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and access to services, consider utilizing the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care.