24915, Arbovale, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 24915, Arbovale, West Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 24915 has some form of health insurance. 61.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.78 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 24915 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 78 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24915. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 144 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12 health care providers accessible to residents in 24915, Arbovale, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Arbovale, WV (ZIP Code 24915)**

Assessing the overall health landscape in Arbovale, West Virginia (ZIP code 24915) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' that reflects the realities of healthcare access and quality in this rural community. Due to the limited population and geographical constraints of Arbovale, the analysis will focus on available data and make reasonable inferences based on the broader healthcare environment of Pocahontas County, where Arbovale is located.

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

One of the most critical indicators of community health is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the number of physicians available to serve a given population. In rural areas like Arbovale, this ratio is often significantly lower than in urban centers. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are crucial for determining this ratio. Access to this data is essential, and it is likely that the ratio in Arbovale and Pocahontas County is below the national average, indicating a potential shortage of primary care physicians. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The availability of primary care physicians is a cornerstone of a healthy community.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying "standout practices" in a rural setting requires a nuanced approach. Due to the limited number of healthcare providers, the concept of a "standout" practice may be based on factors beyond sheer numbers of physicians. This could include a practice's commitment to patient-centered care, its use of technology to improve patient outcomes, and its integration with other healthcare providers. The quality of care is often assessed through patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcome data (if available), and the practice's accreditation status. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these areas, even with limited resources, are vital to the health of the community. The presence of a practice that offers comprehensive services, including chronic disease management and preventative care, would be considered a significant asset.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to bridge the gap in healthcare access in rural areas like Arbovale. By providing remote consultations, monitoring, and specialist access, telemedicine can significantly improve patient outcomes. The adoption rate of telemedicine among physicians in the area is a critical factor in the overall health score. Factors influencing adoption include internet access, physician training, and patient acceptance. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to have a higher overall health score, as they are demonstrating a commitment to improving access to care. This could be particularly important for patients with chronic conditions or those who have difficulty traveling to appointments.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Importance**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of a healthy community. In rural areas, access to mental health services is often limited. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is crucial. The availability of these resources, as well as the ability to access them, is a key factor in determining the overall health score. The integration of mental health services with primary care is also essential. Co-locating mental health professionals within primary care practices can improve access and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.

**Specific Considerations for Arbovale**

Given the rural nature of Arbovale and Pocahontas County, specific considerations are important. The distance patients must travel to access care is a significant barrier. Transportation challenges, limited public transportation, and the cost of travel can all impact access to care. The demographics of the population, including age, socioeconomic status, and health literacy, also influence healthcare needs. Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, may be higher in rural areas, requiring specialized care and management.

**Data Sources and Limitations**

This analysis relies on publicly available data from sources such as the WVDHHR, HRSA, and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, data availability for specific ZIP codes may be limited. The analysis also relies on inferences based on the broader healthcare environment of Pocahontas County. Patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcome data, and practice accreditation status are also important indicators of quality of care.

**Overall Health Score Summary and Ranking**

Based on the available information, the 'Overall Health Score' for Arbovale, WV (ZIP code 24915) is likely to be moderate. This is primarily due to the challenges associated with rural healthcare, including a potentially low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialized care, and the need for improved mental health resources. However, the score could be improved by increased telemedicine adoption, improved integration of mental health services, and a focus on patient-centered care. The overall health score is not a static number, but rather a reflection of the dynamic healthcare landscape.

**Call to Action**

To gain a more granular and visual understanding of healthcare access and availability in Arbovale and surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide valuable insights into physician distribution, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed assessment of the health landscape in this rural community.