26372, Horner, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 26372, Horner, West Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.38 percent of the residents in 26372 has some form of health insurance. 28.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.65 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 26372 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 218 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26372. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 26372, Horner, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26372 & Primary Care in Horner

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 26372, encompassing the Horner, WV area, with a specific focus on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial aspects of comprehensive arthritis care.

The foundation of any arthritis management plan rests on access to a qualified PCP. In the Horner area (ZIP code 26372), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. This ratio, reflecting the number of patients served by each PCP, directly impacts appointment availability, wait times, and the overall time a patient can spend with their doctor. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to reduced access and potentially compromise the quality of care, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis that require ongoing monitoring and management. Precise data on the current physician-to-patient ratio within 26372 requires a granular analysis of physician counts and population demographics. However, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide valuable benchmarks for comparison against state and national averages.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This involves evaluating factors such as the practice's reputation, patient reviews, and the availability of specialized services relevant to arthritis management. Does the practice offer on-site physical therapy? Are there readily available referrals to rheumatologists or other specialists? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources on arthritis management, and fostering a strong patient-physician relationship often receive higher scores. Investigating these aspects requires a combination of online research, including review sites like Healthgrades and Vitals, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their services and approach to arthritis care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The availability of this technology can significantly improve access to care, especially during periods of inclement weather or when travel is difficult. Assessing telemedicine capabilities involves checking practice websites for telehealth options and confirming the availability of virtual appointments.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The pain, limitations, and lifestyle adjustments associated with arthritis can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within a primary care practice is a key component of comprehensive arthritis care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or readily available referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This can be evaluated by checking practice websites, inquiring about mental health services during phone calls, and reviewing patient testimonials that mention mental health support.

In the Horner area, primary care availability is influenced by several factors, including the geographical distribution of physicians, the presence of hospitals and clinics, and the availability of transportation. Rural areas often face challenges in accessing healthcare due to limited physician availability and long travel distances. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including attracting and retaining physicians in the area, expanding telehealth services, and improving transportation options for patients.

The "Arthritis Score" for a given practice would be based on a weighted scoring system. The physician-to-patient ratio would contribute a significant portion of the score, with lower ratios receiving higher marks. The availability of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources would also be factored in, each contributing to the overall score. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the practice's suitability for individuals managing arthritis.

For example, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, offering on-site physical therapy, actively utilizing telemedicine, and providing mental health support would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialized services, and no telemedicine or mental health resources would receive a lower score.

The information gathered for this analysis would ideally be regularly updated. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new practices opening, existing practices adopting new technologies, and the availability of services changing. Regular updates ensure that the "Arthritis Score" remains relevant and provides the most current information to patients.

In conclusion, assessing primary care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 26372, focusing on the specific needs of individuals with arthritis, is a complex undertaking. It requires a thorough evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating these factors and assigning an "Arthritis Score" to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Horner, WV, and surrounding areas? Explore the geographical distribution of physicians, access points, and available resources with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and make informed choices about your care.