42261, Morgantown, Kentucky Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 42261, Morgantown, Kentucky is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.81 percent of the residents in 42261 has some form of health insurance. 46.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.31 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 42261 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,492 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42261. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,642 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 232 health care providers accessible to residents in 42261, Morgantown, Kentucky.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Morgantown, KY (ZIP Code 42261)

Morgantown, Kentucky, nestled within the 42261 ZIP code, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Evaluating the overall health score requires a nuanced assessment, considering factors beyond simple metrics. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, providing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the accessibility of primary care. In Morgantown, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial indicator. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a quantitative measure. This ratio, the number of physicians per a given population, is a key metric. A higher ratio often indicates greater accessibility. Data from sources like the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau are essential to calculate this ratio accurately for 42261. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages reveals Morgantown’s relative position. A lower-than-average ratio might suggest potential challenges in accessing timely primary care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of the community underserved? This requires analyzing the geographic distribution of practices and considering factors like transportation access for residents. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) can significantly impact accessibility, particularly for underserved populations. These clinics often provide comprehensive care, including preventative services, chronic disease management, and behavioral health support.

Identifying standout practices requires looking beyond basic metrics. Patient reviews, gathered from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, offer valuable insights into patient experiences. Are practices consistently praised for their patient-centered care, communication, and efficiency? Examining the range of services offered by each practice is also critical. Does the practice offer extended hours, same-day appointments, or specialized services like women's health or geriatric care? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these factors often receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital aspect of healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, but its long-term impact on healthcare delivery is still unfolding. In Morgantown, assessing the availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices is essential. Do practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or online patient portals? Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. The extent of telemedicine adoption directly influences the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is a key indicator. Assessing the number of mental health providers within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size provides a valuable ratio. Are there sufficient resources to meet the community's needs? Examining the types of mental health services available is also important. Do practices offer individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention services? The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and partnerships with local schools or organizations can significantly enhance mental health support.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health services within primary care settings is crucial. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians, can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Assessing the prevalence of integrated care models within Morgantown's primary care practices is an important factor.

Evaluating the overall health score requires considering the interconnectedness of these factors. A high physician-to-patient ratio is beneficial, but it may be offset by limited telemedicine adoption or a scarcity of mental health resources. Conversely, robust telemedicine services can mitigate the impact of a lower physician-to-patient ratio. The overall score reflects the balance and interplay of these different elements.

For a comprehensive analysis, data from various sources needs to be integrated. This includes information from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, the US Census Bureau, healthcare provider directories, patient review platforms, and local health organizations. Analyzing this data, considering the specific context of Morgantown, and weighting the various factors appropriately is essential to arrive at a fair and accurate overall health score.

The overall health score for Morgantown, KY (ZIP Code 42261) is dynamic. Healthcare landscapes evolve, and the factors influencing the score change over time. Regular reassessment and updates are necessary to maintain an accurate understanding of the community's healthcare environment. The score should not be viewed as a static number but rather as a snapshot of a complex and evolving system.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Morgantown and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize data, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.