26818, Fisher, West Virginia Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 26818, Fisher, West Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26818 has some form of health insurance. 54.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.95 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 26818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 89 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 26818, Fisher, West Virginia.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26818 and Primary Care in Fisher, WV**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 26818, encompassing the town of Fisher, West Virginia, with a particular emphasis on primary care availability and resources for individuals managing arthritis. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment, evaluating the healthcare landscape based on several key factors.

The initial consideration is physician-to-patient ratios. Precise data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within 26818 is crucial. Publicly available resources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, offer data on physician location and specialty. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. This is especially critical for arthritis patients who require regular check-ups, medication management, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists.

Beyond raw numbers, the type of primary care practices present within the ZIP code significantly impacts the Arthritis Score. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices often offer the advantage of shared resources, including extended hours, on-site laboratory services, and potentially, access to physical therapy or other supportive services beneficial to arthritis patients. The presence of practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems could also indicate greater access to specialists and advanced diagnostic tools.

Standout practices within 26818, if any, would be those demonstrating a patient-centered approach to arthritis care. This could include practices that offer: dedicated arthritis education programs, patient support groups, integrated physical therapy, or a commitment to shared decision-making. Positive patient reviews, available through online platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient experiences and the quality of care provided. The responsiveness of practices to patient inquiries and their willingness to accommodate individual needs are important considerations.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor influencing the Arthritis Score. The ability to consult with a PCP or specialist remotely can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate medication refills, follow-up appointments, and provide a convenient way to address concerns without requiring in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options, would receive a higher score in this area.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis management, but they are essential. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the overall impact of arthritis on daily life can significantly affect mental well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, within the local healthcare system is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services into their arthritis care plans, or that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care and would be favorably assessed.

The availability of specialty care, particularly rheumatology, is also a critical component of the Arthritis Score. While PCPs are often the first point of contact for arthritis patients, rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. The distance to the nearest rheumatologist, the waiting time for appointments, and the acceptance of insurance plans are all factors to consider. A high Arthritis Score would reflect easy access to rheumatology services, ensuring patients receive timely and specialized care.

The presence of ancillary services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management clinics, further enhances the Arthritis Score. These services provide crucial support for managing arthritis symptoms, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. The availability of these services within close proximity to primary care practices is ideal, facilitating a coordinated approach to patient care.

The overall “Arthritis Score” for 26818 is a composite assessment. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the type of primary care practices, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, access to rheumatology services, and the availability of ancillary services. The higher the score, the better the healthcare landscape is for individuals managing arthritis in the area.

A low score might indicate a need for greater investment in healthcare resources, including recruiting more PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health services and specialist care.

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare accessibility and quality. It underscores the importance of considering multiple factors to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26818 and Fisher, WV. The availability of timely, accessible, and comprehensive care is crucial for individuals living with arthritis.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26818 and explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, identifying areas of need, and making informed decisions about healthcare access and delivery.