24871, Pageton, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 24871 has some form of health insurance. 88.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.09 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 24871 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24871. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 108 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 24871, Pageton, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24871 & Primary Care Availability in Pageton**

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 24871, encompassing Pageton, necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond simply the number of physicians. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, the quality and accessibility of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive health score assessment for the area.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is the availability of primary care physicians. Pageton, a small community within 24871, likely faces challenges common to rural areas. One primary concern is the physician-to-patient ratio. National averages provide a benchmark, but the actual ratio in Pageton is crucial. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on existing resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a potential decline in preventative care.

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and local health departments. This data, however, can be difficult to obtain and may require time-consuming data collection. The availability of primary care physicians is further impacted by factors such as the age of existing physicians, the rate of physician retirement, and the influx of new medical professionals.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care is essential. Assessing this involves examining the accreditation status of local medical practices, the availability of specialized services, and patient satisfaction surveys. Practices with accreditations from organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission often demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety. The presence of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, within a reasonable distance enhances the overall health score.

Standout practices within 24871, if any, deserve special recognition. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into their services, patient reviews, and community involvement. A practice with a strong focus on preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education would likely receive high marks. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals also contributes to a higher score, as these technologies facilitate communication, improve care coordination, and empower patients.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within 24871 is a critical factor in the overall health score. Telemedicine, which includes video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues, transportation barriers, or limited access to specialists. The availability of telemedicine services from local primary care practices, as well as access to telehealth programs offered by hospitals or larger healthcare systems, positively impacts the score.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. Assessing the availability of these resources involves determining the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., wait times, insurance acceptance).

The presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups, crisis intervention services, and substance abuse treatment programs, also contributes to a higher score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is particularly important, as it facilitates integrated care and ensures that patients receive comprehensive support. The existence of a local hospital with a dedicated mental health unit or a behavioral health clinic further enhances the score.

The overall health score for 24871 is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. The score can be expressed numerically, using a scale (e.g., 1 to 100), or descriptively (e.g., poor, fair, good, excellent). The specific weighting of each factor depends on the priorities of the assessment. For example, if access to primary care is considered the most critical factor, the physician-to-patient ratio might be given a higher weight.

The data collection process is a significant challenge. The data is often scattered across various sources, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Compiling and analyzing this data requires expertise in healthcare data analytics. The reliability of the data is also a concern. Data accuracy can vary depending on the source and the methodology used for data collection.

The final score should be viewed as a snapshot in time. The health landscape is constantly evolving, with new physicians entering the area, telemedicine technologies emerging, and mental health services being developed. The score needs to be updated regularly to reflect these changes.

A comprehensive health score analysis offers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system within 24871. It can be used to inform healthcare planning, identify areas for improvement, and track progress over time. The analysis can also be used to raise awareness about healthcare needs within the community and to advocate for policy changes that support improved access to care.

The health score analysis is a dynamic process. It requires ongoing monitoring, data collection, and evaluation. Regular updates are essential to ensure that the score reflects the current state of the healthcare system. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to make informed decisions and improve the health of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 24871, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and mental health resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.