24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 24729 has some form of health insurance. 93.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.33 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 24729 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24729. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,406 health care providers accessible to residents in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24729 and Primary Care Availability in Hiawatha

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 24729 and specifically assessing primary care availability in Hiawatha necessitates a multi-faceted approach. We will delve into various crucial aspects impacting healthcare access and quality, culminating in an 'Overall Health Score' assessment. This score, while subjective, will reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the area's healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of a healthy community lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Hiawatha, a crucial component of ZIP Code 24729, the physician-to-patient ratio is a primary indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio requires data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), state medical boards, and local healthcare providers. Analyzing this data allows us to determine if Hiawatha suffers from a primary care shortage, a common issue in rural areas.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code matters. Are the available doctors concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread across multiple practices, offering greater choice and convenience for patients? Accessibility is also a key factor. Do practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Are they located near public transportation or easily accessible by car? The physical accessibility of healthcare services impacts the overall health score.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 24729 deserve recognition. Identifying practices known for exceptional patient care, advanced technology adoption, and commitment to community health provides valuable insights. This requires research into patient reviews, accreditations, and awards. Are there practices that consistently receive high ratings for patient satisfaction? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Are they actively involved in community outreach programs, such as health screenings or educational seminars? These factors contribute significantly to the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery. The ability to consult with a doctor remotely, whether through video conferencing or phone calls, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those living in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine within ZIP Code 24729 involves identifying which practices offer telehealth services and the types of services available. Does the area have access to specialists via telemedicine? The degree of telemedicine integration directly impacts the overall health score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, yet they are a crucial component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential. Are there sufficient mental health providers to meet the needs of the community? Are there support groups or community mental health centers available? Analyzing the availability of these resources is a key factor in determining the overall health score.

Specialized care availability is another important consideration. While primary care forms the bedrock of healthcare, access to specialists is crucial for managing chronic conditions and addressing complex health issues. Assessing the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and dermatologists, requires data from healthcare directories and provider databases. The presence of specialists within the ZIP Code, or within a reasonable travel distance, directly influences the overall health score.

Preventative care services are vital for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. Assessing the availability of services such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education programs is crucial. Do practices offer comprehensive preventative care services? Are there public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles? The emphasis on preventative care positively impacts the overall health score.

The quality of care is paramount. Assessing the quality of care involves examining factors such as patient outcomes, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and patient safety measures. Analyzing data from sources such as hospital quality reports and physician performance metrics provides insights into the quality of care provided within the ZIP Code. High-quality care significantly boosts the overall health score.

Community health initiatives and partnerships play a vital role in improving the overall health of a community. Assessing the presence of community health programs, such as those focused on nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management, is essential. Are there collaborations between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies? The presence of these initiatives positively influences the overall health score.

Based on these factors, we can arrive at an 'Overall Health Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 24729 and primary care availability in Hiawatha. This score, expressed on a scale of 1 to 10, will reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the area's healthcare ecosystem. A higher score would indicate greater access to care, a higher quality of care, and a more comprehensive range of healthcare services. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, or a lack of mental health resources.

The score will be based on the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be assigned a higher weight than the availability of community health programs. The specific weights will be determined based on expert opinion and available data.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 24729 and primary care availability in Hiawatha is a valuable tool for assessing the health of the community. It provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. This analysis can be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and community health initiatives.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 24729, including the locations of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can be customized to display various healthcare data layers, allowing for a more detailed and insightful analysis. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize and understand the healthcare environment in your community.