25314, Charleston, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25314, Charleston, West Virginia is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.65 percent of the residents in 25314 has some form of health insurance. 37.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.04 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 25314 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,091 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25314. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,733 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,899 health care providers accessible to residents in 25314, Charleston, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Charleston, WV (ZIP Code 25314)

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 25314, encompassing a significant portion of Charleston, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of a healthy community lies in accessible primary care. Evaluating primary care availability in Charleston (25314) necessitates examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. Accurate data on physician counts, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners, is crucial. This data must then be compared to the population size of the area, which is a dynamic figure subject to change. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate a shortage of PCPs, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and an overall decline in community health. A high ratio, on the other hand, suggests better access.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these PCPs within the ZIP code is critical. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving other sections underserved? Are there disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or transportation limitations? Addressing these questions is essential to understanding the true availability of primary care. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other community health clinics can significantly improve access for underserved populations, acting as vital safety nets.

Standout practices within the 25314 ZIP code can significantly impact the overall health score. Identifying practices recognized for excellence in patient care, innovative approaches, or specialized services is important. This might include practices that have earned accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or have demonstrated exceptional patient satisfaction scores. Practices that emphasize preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education can positively influence the health outcomes of the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely has become increasingly important, especially in areas with geographical challenges or limited access to specialists. The extent to which primary care practices in 25314 offer telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly impact the overall health score. Widespread telemedicine adoption can improve access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient convenience.

The mental health landscape is a critical component of overall health. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in 25314 requires examining the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing in the area. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also important. A shortage of mental health professionals, coupled with limited access to mental health services, can negatively impact the health and well-being of the community.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care settings is crucial. This integrated approach allows for early identification and treatment of mental health issues, improving patient outcomes. The availability of mental health resources for specific populations, such as children, adolescents, and veterans, should also be considered.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio requires a detailed assessment of the number of licensed physicians practicing within the 25314 ZIP code, broken down by specialty. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, can provide a baseline. This data must then be analyzed to determine the ratio of physicians to residents. A low ratio, particularly for primary care physicians, may indicate a shortage, while a high ratio suggests better access to care.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are physicians concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Are there disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or transportation limitations? Addressing these questions is essential to understanding the true availability of healthcare.

The quality of care provided by physicians is a key factor. Evaluating this involves assessing factors such as patient satisfaction, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and the use of electronic health records. Practices that have earned accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or have demonstrated exceptional patient satisfaction scores can be considered standout practices.

The presence of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and endocrinology, is also important. The availability of these specialists within the 25314 ZIP code can impact the overall health score. Communities with limited access to specialized care may experience poorer health outcomes.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for 25314 is a complex assessment. It requires a detailed understanding of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. While specific data points are needed for a definitive score, the analysis highlights key areas for improvement. The availability of primary care and mental health resources are crucial factors.

For a visual representation of healthcare access and distribution within Charleston, including the 25314 ZIP code, consider exploring the power of interactive mapping. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care.