26817, Bloomery, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 26817, Bloomery, West Virginia is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.91 percent of the residents in 26817 has some form of health insurance. 64.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.15 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 26817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26817. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 145 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13 health care providers accessible to residents in 26817, Bloomery, West Virginia.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Bloomery, WV (ZIP Code 26817)

This analysis provides an Arthritis Score ranking for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 26817 (Bloomery, WV), considering factors crucial to arthritis sufferers. The score reflects the accessibility and quality of care, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine availability, and integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, helping individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Bloomery, a rural community, faces challenges common to such areas: limited healthcare infrastructure and potential difficulties in accessing specialized care. The Arthritis Score acknowledges these realities, weighting factors to reflect the practical realities of living with arthritis in this specific geographic context.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access. In Bloomery, the ratio likely leans towards a scarcity of PCPs. This means that the existing physicians may face a high patient load, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient. The Arthritis Score will penalize practices with demonstrably high patient-to-physician ratios. Information on this will come from publicly available sources and patient reviews, if available.

Further analysis will consider the availability of same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs, crucial for managing arthritis flares. Practices that prioritize timely access will receive higher scores. The analysis will also incorporate the availability of extended hours, including evenings and weekends, which can significantly improve accessibility for patients with work or other commitments.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the expertise and resources available. The Arthritis Score will prioritize practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis management. This includes:

* **Experience:** Years of practice and experience with arthritis patients.
* **Specialized Training:** Any additional training or certifications in rheumatology or musculoskeletal disorders.
* **Multidisciplinary Approach:** Availability of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists within the practice or through readily accessible referrals.
* **Diagnostic Capabilities:** Access to on-site or readily available imaging services (X-rays, MRIs) and laboratory testing.

Practices demonstrating these qualities will receive higher scores, reflecting their ability to provide comprehensive and effective care. The score will also consider patient reviews and testimonials, focusing on the perceived quality of care and patient satisfaction.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its ability to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care is particularly relevant for arthritis patients, who may experience mobility limitations or difficulty traveling.

The Arthritis Score will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption by PCPs in Bloomery. This includes:

* **Availability of Virtual Consultations:** Whether physicians offer virtual appointments for follow-ups, medication management, and other non-urgent needs.
* **Technology Infrastructure:** The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the technical support provided to patients.
* **Integration with Existing Systems:** How seamlessly telemedicine integrates with the practice's electronic health records and other systems.

Practices that effectively utilize telemedicine will receive higher scores, recognizing their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting. This includes:

* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Routine screening for depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
* **Referral to Mental Health Professionals:** Easy access to referrals to therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health specialists.
* **Collaboration with Mental Health Providers:** Evidence of collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers to provide coordinated care.
* **Educational Resources:** Availability of educational materials and support groups for patients dealing with the psychological effects of arthritis.

Practices that prioritize mental health integration will receive higher scores, recognizing the importance of holistic care for arthritis patients.

**The Arthritis Score Methodology:**

The Arthritis Score will be a weighted score, reflecting the relative importance of each factor. The weighting will be based on a combination of expert opinion, patient feedback, and publicly available data. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison of different practices.

**Data Sources:**

The analysis will draw on multiple data sources, including:

* **Publicly Available Data:** Medicare data, state licensing boards, and other public resources.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews from platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews.
* **Practice Websites:** Information about services, providers, and telemedicine capabilities.
* **Direct Contact:** Contacting practices to gather information about their services and resources.

**Conclusion:**

The Arthritis Score provides a valuable tool for individuals seeking primary care in Bloomery, WV (ZIP code 26817). By considering factors crucial to arthritis management, the score helps patients identify practices that offer the best possible care. The analysis acknowledges the unique challenges of rural healthcare and provides a practical assessment of the available resources. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Take Action:**

To visualize the location of these healthcare providers and explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Bloomery, WV, utilize the power of **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to easily identify the practices that best meet your needs. Explore the possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare options available to you.