25504, Barboursville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25504, Barboursville, West Virginia is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.77 percent of the residents in 25504 has some form of health insurance. 35.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.62 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 25504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25504. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,170 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,185 health care providers accessible to residents in 25504, Barboursville, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Barboursville, WV (ZIP Code 25504)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Barboursville, West Virginia (ZIP code 25504) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves examining the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the broader healthcare infrastructure, and the accessibility of crucial services like mental health support. This analysis will attempt to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, acknowledging the limitations inherent in publicly available data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery.

A fundamental metric in any health assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise, real-time figures are often proprietary or require extensive data aggregation, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards provide valuable insights. In 25504, like many rural areas, the physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a challenge. The area may experience a shortage of primary care physicians compared to more densely populated regions. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased pressure on existing physicians, and potentially, delayed or inadequate access to preventative care.

The availability of primary care itself is a critical factor. Beyond the raw number of physicians, the types of practices available matter. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer advantages, such as a broader range of specializations, extended hours, and the ability to share administrative burdens. The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics is also significant. These facilities often serve underserved populations and offer a sliding-scale fee structure, making healthcare more accessible to those with limited financial resources. Identifying the specific practices within 25504 and assessing their service offerings is crucial to understanding the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health counseling, can significantly improve access, especially in rural areas where travel distances can be a barrier. Assessing the extent to which primary care physicians in 25504 have embraced telemedicine, including the platforms they use and the types of services they offer remotely, is vital. Practices that have readily adopted telemedicine are likely to score higher in terms of accessibility and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The analysis must consider the number of mental health professionals practicing within 25504, as well as the presence of any mental health clinics or support groups. Furthermore, it's important to evaluate the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. The ability of primary care physicians to screen for mental health conditions and make appropriate referrals can significantly improve access to care. The presence of substance abuse treatment centers or programs is also a key factor, given the opioid crisis that has disproportionately affected many rural communities.

Identifying standout practices within 25504 requires a nuanced approach. It involves looking beyond the basic metrics and considering factors like patient satisfaction, the use of electronic health records (EHRs), and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that have achieved recognition for patient-centered care, demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and actively engage with their patients are likely to be considered standout practices. Reviews from patients, while often subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the broader healthcare infrastructure in the region. The proximity to hospitals, specialist physicians, and other healthcare facilities can impact the overall health score. The ability to quickly access emergency care and specialized medical services is essential for addressing serious health conditions. The presence of community resources, such as wellness programs and support groups, can also contribute to a higher overall health score.

To arrive at a final ‘Overall Health Score’ for 25504, a weighted scoring system would be employed. Each of the factors discussed above – physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and standout practices – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might be assigned a higher weight than the presence of wellness programs. Each factor would then be scored based on available data, and the weighted scores would be aggregated to produce a final overall score. This score, however, should be interpreted with caution, as it is based on publicly available information and may not fully capture the complexities of the healthcare landscape.

The dynamic nature of healthcare means that the ‘Overall Health Score’ is not static. Healthcare providers are constantly adapting to changing patient needs, technological advancements, and policy changes. Regular reassessments are necessary to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, community involvement is critical. Local residents, healthcare providers, and community organizations all have a role to play in improving the overall health of Barboursville.

This analysis has highlighted the various components that contribute to the overall health of a community. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access, resource allocation, and community development. The ‘Overall Health Score’ is a valuable tool for assessing the current state of healthcare and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

For a more detailed and visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in 25504, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize healthcare data, identify patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and availability in Barboursville.