25690, Ragland, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25690, Ragland, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.05 percent of the residents in 25690 has some form of health insurance. 53.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.24 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 25690 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 295 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25690. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 119 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 222 health care providers accessible to residents in 25690, Ragland, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25690 & Primary Care in Ragland

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 25690, encompassing the town of Ragland, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, focusing on key metrics like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

The fundamental challenge in Ragland, as with many rural communities, is likely the disparity between the population and the number of available primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio signals potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates better access to care. Determining the precise ratio for 25690 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide this information. Further research is needed to ascertain the exact figures, which will significantly influence the overall health score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" within 25690 involves evaluating factors like patient reviews, accreditations, and the range of services offered. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient-centered care, employing advanced technologies, and actively participating in community health initiatives would score higher. This also includes the practices’ ability to handle a variety of patient needs, from routine check-ups to chronic disease management. The presence of specialists, even if not directly in primary care, can also contribute to a higher overall score, as it reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized care.

Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, is increasingly vital, especially in rural areas. Its adoption rate within 25690 is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are better positioned to serve a geographically dispersed population. This reduces travel burdens, improves convenience, and can facilitate more frequent interactions between patients and their physicians. The extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the practices of the area is a key factor in assessing the overall health score.

Mental health resources are another critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is a significant factor. Assessing the number of mental health professionals per capita within 25690 is essential. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health specialists, is highly beneficial. The existence of support groups, crisis hotlines, and mental health awareness programs also contributes positively to the overall health score.

The presence of community health initiatives and programs also plays a role. These can include health education campaigns, chronic disease management programs, and initiatives focused on preventative care. Practices actively involved in such programs demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall health of the community. This can also include partnerships with local schools, churches, and community organizations to provide health screenings and educational resources.

To derive an "Overall Health Score," a weighted scoring system is needed. Each of the above-mentioned factors – physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community health initiatives – should be assigned a weight based on their relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the presence of community health programs. The score for each factor can then be determined based on specific metrics. For instance, the telemedicine adoption score could be based on the percentage of practices offering virtual consultations. Finally, these weighted scores are aggregated to produce a single overall score.

The final score would then be categorized to provide a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape in 25690. For example, a score of 80-100 could be considered "Excellent," 60-79 "Good," 40-59 "Fair," and below 40 "Poor." This categorization provides a simple and easily understandable assessment of the overall health of the community.

The challenges in rural healthcare are well-documented. Addressing the needs of the community requires a multifaceted approach. This assessment is intended to provide a comprehensive overview.

The analysis underscores the importance of data-driven insights. The specifics of the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all crucial for a complete picture. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare infrastructure, stakeholders can make informed decisions to improve access to care and enhance the health outcomes of the residents of Ragland and the surrounding area.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 25690 and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the "Overall Health Score," consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their tools can provide a visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data points, enabling a more informed and comprehensive analysis.