25159, Poca, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25159, Poca, West Virginia is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.73 percent of the residents in 25159 has some form of health insurance. 43.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.24 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 25159 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 945 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25159. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 698 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 458 health care providers accessible to residents in 25159, Poca, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Poca, WV (ZIP Code 25159)

This analysis provides an assessment of the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 25159, encompassing Poca, West Virginia. The evaluation focuses on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographical area.

The foundation of a healthy community lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians. In Poca, assessing primary care availability requires considering the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and the patient population they serve. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. An ideal ratio allows for sufficient time and resources for each patient, promoting proactive care and preventative measures. A high ratio, conversely, can lead to overburdened physicians, reduced appointment availability, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Research would be needed to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio for this ZIP code. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from physician directories, would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately. This data would need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician staffing and population demographics.

Beyond mere numbers, the types of primary care physicians present are significant. Are there family medicine practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians? The presence of a diverse range of primary care providers ensures that the community's varied healthcare needs are met. The availability of specialists, even if not directly in primary care, is also relevant. Easy access to cardiologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists can improve overall health outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within Poca is crucial. These practices often serve as models for quality care. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction scores, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the implementation of innovative care models. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education are particularly valuable. These practices can be identified through online reviews, recommendations from local community members, and awards or recognitions from healthcare organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is another important aspect of healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Poca. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, particularly for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists. The extent to which primary care practices in Poca have embraced telemedicine, including the use of video conferencing, remote monitoring, and patient portals, is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The assessment must include the presence of these resources, their accessibility, and any collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers. Integration of mental healthcare into primary care settings is a best practice that can improve patient outcomes.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community health initiatives and programs. These programs, often run by local organizations or healthcare providers, can address specific health needs within the community. Examples include health education programs, chronic disease management programs, and programs that support vulnerable populations. The effectiveness of these programs can significantly influence the overall health score.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic factors of the community must be considered. The health of a community is often influenced by factors like income levels, education, and access to healthy food. These factors can impact access to healthcare, health behaviors, and overall health outcomes. The analysis should consider these factors to provide a more complete picture of the health landscape.

Assessing the overall health score for Poca, WV, involves synthesizing all these factors. The score is not simply a number but a reflection of the community's healthcare resources, access to care, and the health outcomes of its residents. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with ample access to primary care, a good physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, accessible mental health resources, and effective community health programs. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as a shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to mental health services, or a lack of telemedicine options.

This analysis, though comprehensive, is only a starting point. A more in-depth assessment would require detailed data collection, including surveys of local physicians and residents. The findings of this analysis can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform the development of strategies to enhance the health and well-being of the Poca community. Further research into specific health outcomes, such as rates of chronic diseases, infant mortality, and life expectancy, would provide a more complete picture of the health status of the community.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and to visualize the data discussed, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Poca and beyond.