25854, Hico, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25854, Hico, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.96 percent of the residents in 25854 has some form of health insurance. 35.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.18 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 25854 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25854. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 116 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 352 health care providers accessible to residents in 25854, Hico, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Hico, WV (ZIP Code 25854)**

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Hico, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25854) requires a multifaceted approach, considering primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, acknowledging the inherent challenges of rural healthcare and the specific characteristics of this community.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Hico, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely and routine care. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, along with local health department information, would be crucial in determining the precise ratio. This would involve identifying the number of practicing primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners) actively serving the 25854 ZIP code and comparing it to the total population. The result provides a preliminary score, where a lower ratio indicates a lower score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of existing primary care practices are vital. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews (online and through local community surveys), the range of services offered (preventive care, chronic disease management, etc.), and the practice's commitment to patient-centered care. Practices with extended hours, weekend availability, or multilingual staff would receive higher scores. The presence of a well-established practice, possibly affiliated with a larger healthcare system, could also contribute positively. Conversely, practices with limited appointment availability or a history of negative patient experiences would negatively impact the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and routine care that might otherwise be unavailable. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices in 25854 offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology infrastructure supporting these services. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine, especially for chronic disease management or mental health consultations, would receive a higher score. The ease of use for patients and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors) within the community or accessible through referral networks is crucial. Assessing mental health resource availability involves identifying the number of mental health providers serving the area, the types of services offered (individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (waiting times, insurance acceptance). Partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and support groups would also be viewed positively. The presence of mental health resources, particularly those addressing substance abuse, is essential.

The overall health score for Hico, WV, is a composite score based on these factors. Each factor is weighted based on its importance. Physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability are weighted heavily, reflecting their foundational role in healthcare access. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources are also weighted significantly, recognizing their importance in addressing the specific challenges of rural healthcare. The presence of standout practices contributes positively to the score.

Based on the available data, the overall health score for Hico, WV (ZIP Code 25854) is likely to be lower than the national average. The challenges inherent in rural healthcare, including physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and the geographical isolation of the community, contribute to this. However, the score can be improved through targeted interventions.

To improve the health score, several strategies can be employed. Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians through incentives and support programs is crucial. Expanding telemedicine capabilities, particularly for mental health services, can improve access to care. Supporting existing primary care practices to enhance their services and patient experience is also important. Community outreach and education programs can raise awareness about available resources and promote preventative care. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential.

Furthermore, specific practices and organizations within the 25854 ZIP code would be assessed. For example, a practice with a high patient satisfaction rating, a strong commitment to preventative care, and active telemedicine adoption would receive a higher individual score. Conversely, a practice with limited appointment availability or a history of negative patient experiences would negatively impact the overall score. The identification of specific practices and their strengths and weaknesses is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

The analysis is dynamic and requires continuous monitoring. Healthcare landscapes change, and new data becomes available. Regular updates to the overall health score are necessary to reflect these changes and ensure the assessment remains relevant. This includes tracking changes in physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. The analysis also must account for any new healthcare initiatives or programs implemented in the community.

A detailed map of the health resources in the area, including the location of primary care practices, mental health providers, and pharmacies, would be extremely useful. This map would visually represent the distribution of resources and highlight areas with limited access. The map could also incorporate demographic data to identify populations with the greatest healthcare needs.

To fully visualize and understand the health landscape of Hico, WV, and to identify potential areas for improvement, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers advanced mapping capabilities that can integrate various data points, including physician locations, patient demographics, and health outcomes, to create a comprehensive and insightful visual representation of the community's health status. This allows for a data-driven understanding of the health landscape.