26134, Belmont, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26134, Belmont, West Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.14 percent of the residents in 26134 has some form of health insurance. 45.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.67 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 26134 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26134. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,278 health care providers accessible to residents in 26134, Belmont, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26134 & Primary Care Availability in Belmont**

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 26134, which encompasses the community of Belmont, necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the community's health infrastructure and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Belmont (ZIP code 26134), the availability of primary care physicians is a critical element. A robust primary care system ensures early detection of health issues, proactive disease management, and a consistent point of contact for patients. Evaluating the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code, compared to the population size, allows for a preliminary assessment of accessibility.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a vital metric. This ratio quantifies the number of patients served by each primary care physician. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, as physicians are less burdened and can dedicate more time to each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio may signify longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a less responsive healthcare system. Researching the physician-to-patient ratio specifically within 26134 is crucial.

Identifying standout medical practices within the ZIP code is also important. These practices often serve as models for quality care and innovation. They may have implemented advanced technologies, adopted patient-centered approaches, or achieved superior health outcomes. Examining patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered, and evaluating the practices' commitment to community outreach can help identify these exemplary providers. This will help in understanding the best practices in the area.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in 26134 is essential. Telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and provide access to specialists who may not be locally available. Determining the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the extent of their utilization provides insights into the community's embrace of technology-driven healthcare.

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within 26134 is paramount. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counseling services. Determining the accessibility of these resources, considering factors like insurance acceptance, wait times, and the availability of specialized programs, provides a comprehensive understanding of the community's mental health support system.

The evaluation should not be limited to the number of providers; it should also consider the types of mental health services available. Does the area offer services for children, adolescents, and adults? Are there specialized programs for substance abuse or other mental health conditions? A thorough analysis of the available mental health services is crucial for assessing the overall health of the community.

The quality of healthcare is also a key consideration. Assessing the accreditation status of local hospitals and clinics, and reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, can provide insights into the quality of care provided. Accreditation by recognized organizations signifies adherence to specific quality standards and a commitment to patient safety. Patient satisfaction surveys offer valuable feedback on the patient experience, helping to identify areas where improvements are needed.

Accessibility is another important factor. Even if a community has a sufficient number of physicians, access to care can be limited by factors such as transportation challenges, financial constraints, and language barriers. Evaluating the availability of public transportation, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of multilingual services can provide a more nuanced understanding of healthcare accessibility.

The age distribution of the population in 26134 also influences healthcare needs. A community with a large elderly population may require more geriatric care services, while a community with a high birth rate may need more pediatric services. Analyzing the demographics of the community provides context for understanding the specific healthcare needs of the population.

Public health initiatives and community health programs can also play a significant role in improving health outcomes. Assessing the presence of local health departments, community health centers, and public health programs provides insights into the community's commitment to preventative care and health promotion. These programs often focus on addressing specific health challenges, such as chronic diseases or substance abuse.

Data from various sources, including the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and local healthcare providers, can be gathered to build a complete picture. Information should be verified to ensure accuracy. Combining this data with local knowledge and community input will provide a more comprehensive analysis.

The final step is to synthesize all the collected information to arrive at an overall health score for the community. This score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, highlighting areas of excellence and areas where improvements are needed. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing stakeholders to understand the overall health landscape.

The analysis should also identify potential areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving mental health resources, or addressing healthcare disparities. These recommendations should be specific, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of the community.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of the community in ZIP code 26134 requires a multi-faceted approach. By carefully evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the accessibility of mental health resources, and other relevant factors, a comprehensive picture of the community's health infrastructure can be developed. This analysis should provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members, enabling them to make informed decisions and work collaboratively to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Belmont and surrounding areas.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of 26134 and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive, data-driven maps that can visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access.