24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24845 has some form of health insurance. 81.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.48 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 24845 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24845. 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 531 health care providers accessible to residents in 24845, Ikes Fork, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 24845 & Primary Care in Ikes Fork

Assessing the overall health landscape within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility of care, the utilization of modern technologies, and the availability of crucial support services. This analysis focuses on the doctors practicing within ZIP code 24845 and the primary care availability specifically within the community of Ikes Fork, aiming to provide an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment. Due to the limited publicly available data, this analysis will rely on general principles and assumptions based on typical rural healthcare environments, acknowledging the inherent limitations in pinpointing exact figures without proprietary data.

The cornerstone of any health assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like 24845 and Ikes Fork, this ratio is likely a significant indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, often translates to longer wait times for appointments, increased difficulty in securing specialist referrals, and a potential strain on existing medical resources. Conversely, a higher ratio, while ideal, doesn’t guarantee optimal health outcomes; factors like the age and health of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the geographic distribution of patients all play a critical role. Without specific data for 24845 and Ikes Fork, it's reasonable to assume a lower physician-to-patient ratio than in more urban areas, potentially leading to challenges in accessing timely primary care.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires examining factors beyond just the number of physicians. This includes the range of services offered, the quality of patient care as reflected in patient reviews and satisfaction surveys (if available), and the practice’s commitment to preventative medicine. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, offering extended hours, same-day appointments when possible, and comprehensive care coordination, are more likely to receive positive ratings and contribute to a higher overall health score. The presence of specialized services, such as diabetes management programs, cardiac rehabilitation, or geriatric care, further enhances the value of a practice. In Ikes Fork, the physical distance to these practices is also a critical factor, impacting the accessibility of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another key area to evaluate. The use of telehealth, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic communication with patients, can significantly improve healthcare access, especially in rural settings where travel distances can be a barrier. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can reach a wider patient base, provide more convenient care options, and potentially reduce the burden on existing resources. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within Ikes Fork is a crucial factor in determining the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine adoption. If connectivity is poor, the benefits of telemedicine are severely limited.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is critical for addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of the community. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, known as integrated behavioral health, can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and crisis intervention services also contributes to a stronger mental health infrastructure. In a rural area, where access to mental health services may be limited, the availability of these resources significantly impacts the overall health score.

The specific challenges faced by the residents of Ikes Fork and the wider 24845 ZIP code need to be considered. These challenges may include limited transportation options, a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, and socioeconomic factors that impact access to care. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies. Initiatives such as mobile health clinics, transportation assistance programs, and health education campaigns can help to improve health outcomes and address health disparities.

Without precise data, it's difficult to assign a definitive ‘Overall Health Score’ to the doctors in 24845 and primary care availability in Ikes Fork. However, based on the general principles discussed, a preliminary assessment would likely indicate moderate challenges. The lower physician-to-patient ratio, combined with potential limitations in telemedicine adoption and mental health resources, likely creates barriers to accessing timely and comprehensive care. Standout practices that prioritize patient-centered care and embrace technology can mitigate some of these challenges, but the overall health score is likely influenced by the rural setting and associated limitations.

A more thorough assessment would require access to specific data on physician numbers, patient demographics, service offerings, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resource availability, and patient satisfaction metrics. This data would enable a more precise calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio, a detailed evaluation of practice quality, and a comprehensive analysis of healthcare access and utilization.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 24845 and Ikes Fork, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, the location of hospitals and clinics, and the availability of transportation services, consider utilizing the mapping and data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide valuable insights into the spatial dimensions of healthcare access, helping to identify areas with limited resources and inform strategic planning for improving health outcomes.