25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.47 percent of the residents in 25901 has some form of health insurance. 61.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.43 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 25901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,591 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25901. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,068 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 386 health care providers accessible to residents in 25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia.

Oak Hill, West Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing the overall health score for doctors in the 25901 ZIP code and the availability of primary care services requires a nuanced approach. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of access to care. In rural areas like Oak Hill, these ratios often lag behind national averages. The 25901 ZIP code likely faces challenges in this regard. A limited number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving a relatively dispersed population can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. The specific ratio within 25901 would need to be determined through data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and other relevant sources. This data would then be compared to state and national benchmarks to gauge the severity of any potential shortage.

Standout practices, those that demonstrate excellence in patient care, can significantly impact the overall health score. Identifying these practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the commitment to community outreach. Practices with strong reputations often attract and retain skilled physicians, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits patients. In Oak Hill, the presence of a well-regarded hospital or clinic, like Plateau Medical Center, would be a significant positive factor. The quality of care provided within these institutions, as well as the number of PCPs affiliated with them, would heavily influence the overall score.

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can help overcome geographical barriers and improve access to care. Examining the extent to which doctors in 25901 utilize telemedicine is essential. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and the use of telehealth platforms. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach, provide more convenient care options, and potentially improve patient outcomes. The integration of telemedicine into primary care practices would be a significant positive factor in the overall health score.

Mental health resources are another critical component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare is often limited in rural communities. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 25901 ZIP code is crucial. This includes assessing the number of providers, the types of services offered (e.g., therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, sliding scale fees). The presence of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers would also be considered. A lack of sufficient mental health resources would negatively impact the overall health score.

Beyond these core factors, other elements contribute to the overall health score. These include the prevalence of chronic diseases, the rates of preventative care utilization (e.g., vaccinations, screenings), and the health behaviors of the population. Data on these factors would need to be gathered from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Analyzing this data would provide a more complete picture of the health challenges and opportunities within the community.

The overall health score for doctors in 25901 and primary care availability in Oak Hill would ultimately be a composite score. This score would reflect the weighted average of the various factors discussed above. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in determining access to care and health outcomes. A detailed analysis would involve gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including physician directories, hospital records, insurance claims data, and public health reports.

The final score would be accompanied by a detailed report. This report would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Oak Hill. It would also identify areas where improvements are needed. Recommendations for improvement might include recruiting more PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, increasing access to mental health services, and promoting preventative care.

Furthermore, this analysis should consider the social determinants of health. These are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthy food. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective interventions to improve health outcomes. For example, initiatives to address food insecurity or improve access to transportation could significantly impact the health of the community.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for doctors in 25901 and primary care availability in Oak Hill requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. A thorough analysis, incorporating data from various sources and considering the social determinants of health, is essential for developing effective strategies to improve the health and well-being of the community.

To visualize this complex healthcare landscape, and gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the availability of doctors, the location of healthcare facilities, and the distribution of population health indicators.