26591, Worthington, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.94 percent of the residents in 26591 has some form of health insurance. 32.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.60 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 26591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 326 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 828 health care providers accessible to residents in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Worthington, WV (ZIP Code 26591)

Analyzing the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within Worthington, West Virginia (ZIP code 26591) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," evaluates various aspects impacting patient care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. Due to the limitations of publicly available data and the inherent complexities of healthcare landscapes, this assessment provides an estimated overview.

The foundation of any arthritis care system lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Worthington, being a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in this area. A low physician-to-patient ratio, a common issue in rural settings, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, both crucial for managing arthritis. The Arthritis Score reflects this by factoring in estimated PCP availability. This is calculated using population data for 26591, combined with publicly available data on the number of active PCPs practicing in the area, and adjusted for potential commuting patterns.

Specialist availability, specifically rheumatologists, is another critical component. The Arthritis Score weighs the distance patients must travel to access rheumatology services. If the nearest rheumatologist is located a significant distance away, the score is negatively impacted. This highlights the potential need for expanded outreach programs or partnerships with larger medical centers. The score considers the presence of any on-site physical therapy services, which are essential for managing arthritis symptoms.

The characteristics of local medical practices significantly influence the Arthritis Score. Practices that embrace patient-centered care, demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based treatments, and offer accessible services are given higher ratings. This includes factors like extended hours, weekend availability, and the ability to communicate with physicians via email or patient portals. The Arthritis Score considers the overall patient experience, drawing upon publicly available patient reviews and practice ratings.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. The Arthritis Score assesses the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care pathway. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are given a higher score, reflecting their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care.

The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and limitations caused by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The Arthritis Score incorporates the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and access to psychiatric services. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways are given higher scores.

The specific practices within 26591 and the surrounding areas are evaluated based on the factors mentioned above. Identifying standout practices involves analyzing publicly available data, including practice websites, patient reviews, and information from healthcare directories. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to patient care, embrace innovative technologies, and offer comprehensive services are highlighted as examples of excellence. The Arthritis Score assigns weightings to different attributes, giving greater emphasis to factors that have a direct impact on patient outcomes.

The Arthritis Score is not static. It evolves as new information becomes available and as the healthcare landscape changes. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the quality and accessibility of arthritis care within Worthington. This includes regularly updating the data used in the calculations, incorporating new information about practice characteristics, and monitoring changes in telemedicine adoption and mental health resource availability.

Primary care availability in Worthington, as a key factor in the Arthritis Score, is further analyzed. The analysis focuses on the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, considering the population size and geographic distribution. The score assesses the patient-to-physician ratio, aiming to determine if there are enough PCPs to meet the needs of the community. Factors like the average wait time for appointments and the availability of same-day or urgent care services are factored into the score.

The analysis also considers the availability of other healthcare professionals who play a vital role in arthritis care, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management specialists. The Arthritis Score evaluates the presence of these professionals in the area and their accessibility to patients. The score considers the availability of support services, such as patient education programs and support groups.

The Arthritis Score also accounts for the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as X-rays and MRIs, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. The score assesses the proximity of these services to patients and the ease with which they can be accessed. The score also accounts for the availability of pharmacy services and the ease with which patients can obtain their medications.

The overall goal of the Arthritis Score is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of arthritis care in Worthington. The score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to improve access to care. The score serves as a tool to promote better health outcomes for individuals living with arthritis in the community.

Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources is crucial. To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the accessibility of care, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize the Arthritis Score, physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data on a map. This allows for a better understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the challenges faced by patients in accessing care.

**Ready to visualize the arthritis care landscape in Worthington and beyond? Explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Discover how location intelligence can improve healthcare access and patient outcomes. Visit CartoChrome today to learn more!**