24715, Bramwell, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 24715, Bramwell, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.89 percent of the residents in 24715 has some form of health insurance. 71.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 34.04 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 24715 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24715. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 66 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,417 health care providers accessible to residents in 24715, Bramwell, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Bramwell, WV (ZIP Code 24715)

Analyzing the overall health score for residents of Bramwell, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24715) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

Bramwell, a small town nestled in Mercer County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Rural communities often struggle with physician shortages and limited specialist availability. Therefore, a thorough investigation is crucial to understand the reality on the ground.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). These doctors serve as the first point of contact for medical needs, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. Determining the exact number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 24715 is the initial step. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Department of Health & Human Services, can provide this information. However, simply knowing the number of physicians isn't enough.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. This ratio reflects the number of patients served by each PCP. A higher ratio indicates a greater demand on each physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. The national average physician-to-patient ratio should be compared to the ratio in 24715. If the local ratio significantly exceeds the national average, it suggests a shortage of PCPs and potential challenges for residents in accessing timely medical care. This data will likely point to a need for initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining physicians in the area.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying any standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. This involves researching clinics and medical groups known for providing high-quality care. Factors to consider include patient reviews, accreditation status, the range of services offered, and the use of advanced technologies. Practices that are patient-centered, embrace innovation, and demonstrate a commitment to community health should be highlighted.

Furthermore, assessing the quality of care requires looking beyond anecdotal evidence. Data from healthcare quality reporting systems, if available for practices in 24715, can provide objective measures of performance. These systems often track metrics such as patient outcomes, preventative care rates, and patient satisfaction scores. Analyzing this data can help identify areas where healthcare providers excel and areas where improvements are needed.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care by reducing the need for travel and expanding the reach of specialists. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption in 24715 is crucial.

This involves determining whether local practices offer telehealth appointments for primary care, mental health, and specialist consultations. The availability of telehealth services can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. Investigating the types of telehealth platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the level of patient satisfaction with these services is also important.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources within 24715 are critical considerations. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors.

Determining the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, along with their specialties and the types of services they offer, is the first step. It's also crucial to investigate the availability of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and substance abuse treatment programs. The presence of these resources, and their integration with primary care, can significantly impact the mental well-being of residents.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**

Bramwell, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges in healthcare access. These may include physician shortages, limited specialist availability, and transportation difficulties. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Telemedicine, for example, can help bridge the gap in access to specialists and mental health services. Community partnerships, such as collaborations between healthcare providers, local organizations, and government agencies, can strengthen the healthcare infrastructure. Recruiting and retaining physicians through incentives and support programs is also essential.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Bramwell, WV (ZIP Code 24715) requires a comprehensive analysis of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

For a more visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Bramwell and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a detailed geographic overview of healthcare resources, helping to identify areas of need and inform strategic planning.