25972, Leslie, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 25972, Leslie, West Virginia is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25972 has some form of health insurance. 69.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 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 25972 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25972. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 105 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 108 health care providers accessible to residents in 25972, Leslie, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 25972 & Leslie, WV

This analysis delves into the overall health landscape within ZIP code 25972, encompassing the town of Leslie, West Virginia. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on healthcare access, quality, and availability, culminating in an 'Overall Health Score' assessment. This score considers various factors, including physician density, the prevalence of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The challenge in assessing a rural area like Leslie lies in the inherent limitations. Sparse populations often translate to fewer healthcare providers, longer travel distances, and potential disparities in access to specialized care. Therefore, this analysis will focus on available data and make informed judgments based on the realities of rural healthcare delivery.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A critical metric for evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a ZIP code like 25972, this ratio is likely to be significantly higher (i.e., fewer doctors per capita) than the national average. This scarcity of physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, difficulty in establishing a primary care relationship, and potential delays in receiving necessary medical attention. Identifying the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires access to comprehensive, up-to-date data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards. However, based on general trends and the rural nature of the area, a lower ratio is anticipated.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to the physician-to-patient ratio. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the gatekeepers of the healthcare system, providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. The availability of PCPs in Leslie is crucial. Assessing this requires identifying the number of family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice physicians actively practicing within or serving the 25972 ZIP code. The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) in the area would be a positive indicator, as these facilities often provide comprehensive primary care services to underserved populations.

**Standout Practices and Healthcare Providers:**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include patient satisfaction ratings, the range of services offered, the use of technology in patient care, and the practice's commitment to community outreach. While specific practice names cannot be provided without violating privacy regulations, the analysis would seek to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives.

The presence of specialists within the 25972 ZIP code is unlikely. Patients often must travel to larger cities like Charleston or Beckley for specialized care, including cardiology, dermatology, and oncology. The availability of specialists in nearby areas, and the ease of access to these specialists, are crucial considerations when assessing the overall health landscape.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and overcoming geographical barriers. The adoption of telemedicine within the 25972 ZIP code is a critical factor in the 'Overall Health Score.' Assessing this requires determining which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology infrastructure available to support telemedicine (e.g., reliable internet access). The level of patient and provider acceptance of telemedicine is another key factor.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Mental health services are often under-resourced in rural areas. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers, is a crucial determinant of the 'Overall Health Score.' Assessing this involves identifying the number of mental health providers practicing within the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services.

The presence of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships with local schools and community organizations would also be considered positive indicators. The stigma surrounding mental health can be particularly pronounced in rural communities, so the availability of resources and outreach programs is vital.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the anticipated findings, the 'Overall Health Score' for the 25972 ZIP code and the town of Leslie, West Virginia, is likely to be below the national average. The challenges of rural healthcare, including a potentially low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and the need for patients to travel for care, will likely contribute to this lower score.

While telemedicine adoption may be improving access, and the presence of an FQHC would be a positive, the inherent limitations of a rural healthcare system will present significant challenges. The availability of mental health resources will be a critical factor in determining the final score.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape in ZIP code 25972 presents both challenges and opportunities. While access to care may be limited due to the rural nature of the area, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of dedicated healthcare providers can help mitigate these challenges.

For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in 25972 and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a comprehensive view of healthcare resources, including physician locations, clinic locations, and access to mental health services. Utilize CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze the healthcare environment in the area.