26142, Davisville, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 26142, Davisville, West Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.14 percent of the residents in 26142 has some form of health insurance. 41.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.61 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 26142 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 470 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26142. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 302 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,347 health care providers accessible to residents in 26142, Davisville, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Davisville, WV (ZIP Code 26142)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 26142 (Davisville, WV) and evaluates the accessibility of care for individuals managing arthritis. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment based on available data, focusing on factors crucial for arthritis patients, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and access to supportive services.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the understanding that effective arthritis management requires consistent access to primary care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnosis, treatment, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists and physical therapists. The availability and quality of these primary care services directly impact the quality of life for arthritis sufferers.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Accessibility:**

Davisville, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges in physician availability. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is critical. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide insights into the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. A high patient-to-physician ratio suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, leading to delayed care and potentially worsening arthritis symptoms.

Further investigation is needed to determine the average wait times for appointments with PCPs in the area. Long wait times can be particularly detrimental for arthritis patients, as timely interventions are often crucial for managing pain and preventing disease progression. The availability of same-day or urgent care appointments for acute flare-ups is also a significant factor in the overall score.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying "standout" practices involves evaluating several factors beyond the simple number of physicians. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care will likely have specific characteristics. These might include:

* **Specialized Training:** Do physicians within the practice have any specific training or experience in rheumatology or musculoskeletal medicine?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide educational materials or resources for arthritis patients, covering topics like disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications?
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Does the practice collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health specialists, to provide comprehensive care?
* **Accessibility Features:** Are practices equipped with accessible features, such as ramps, elevators, and examination rooms designed to accommodate patients with mobility limitations?
* **Insurance Acceptance:** Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure accessibility for all patients?

Researching online reviews from patients is crucial. Patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those mentioning arthritis-specific care, would receive a higher score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address access challenges, particularly in rural areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Davisville is essential.

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and symptom monitoring?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient progress and adjust treatment plans remotely?
* **Patient Portal Access:** Do practices provide patient portals where patients can access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and request prescription refills?

Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies would receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing accessible and patient-centered care.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance:**

Arthritis can significantly impact mental health. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in the overall arthritis score.

* **In-House Mental Health Services:** Does the practice have mental health professionals on staff, such as psychologists or therapists, to provide counseling and support?
* **Referral Network:** Does the practice have a strong referral network with local mental health providers, including psychiatrists and therapists specializing in chronic pain management?
* **Integration of Mental Health into Care:** Does the practice integrate mental health screening and assessment into routine patient care?
* **Support Groups:** Are there any local support groups for arthritis patients, providing opportunities for peer support and education?

Practices that prioritize mental health support, either through in-house services or strong referral networks, would receive a higher score.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion:**

The "Arthritis Score" for primary care in Davisville, WV (ZIP code 26142) is determined by a combination of factors. The score will be influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices with specialized training and a multidisciplinary approach, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the availability of mental health resources. The higher the availability of resources, the higher the score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Davisville and to visualize the distribution of medical facilities, access to specialists, and related resources, explore the power of geographic data with CartoChrome maps.