26136, Big Bend, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26136, Big Bend, West Virginia is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.55 percent of the residents in 26136 has some form of health insurance. 58.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.19 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 26136 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26136. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 84 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 101 health care providers accessible to residents in 26136, Big Bend, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26136 and Primary Care Availability in Big Bend

Analyzing the overall health score for doctors within ZIP code 26136 and assessing primary care availability in the broader Big Bend area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, evaluates telemedicine adoption rates, and examines the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific geographical region.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In ZIP code 26136, and the Big Bend area generally, the ratio likely presents a significant challenge. Rural areas often struggle with a shortage of primary care physicians compared to urban centers. This disparity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Data from state health departments and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be crucial in determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, would negatively impact the overall health score.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 26136 requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative practices. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, utilize electronic health records effectively, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement would likely receive higher marks. Reviews from patients, accreditation status (e.g., from the Joint Commission), and the availability of specialized services (e.g., diabetes management, geriatric care) would all contribute to the assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the overall health score. Telemedicine offers a means to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, would score higher. The extent of telemedicine implementation, including the types of services offered virtually and the ease of access for patients, needs thorough examination. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely, particularly for conditions like cardiology or dermatology, can significantly improve health outcomes.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health, and their availability significantly impacts the health score. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within ZIP code 26136 and the Big Bend area is essential. The presence of mental health clinics, the availability of crisis intervention services, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices are all factors to consider. A shortage of mental health resources would negatively affect the health score, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 26136, and primary care availability in Big Bend, will be a composite of these various factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would significantly lower the score. Conversely, practices with strong patient satisfaction, comprehensive services, and a commitment to telemedicine would help to boost the score. The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes, such as poverty levels and access to transportation.

The assessment should also consider the specific needs of the population served. The age demographics, prevalence of chronic diseases, and cultural factors all play a role in determining the adequacy of healthcare services. For instance, a higher proportion of elderly residents might necessitate a greater focus on geriatric care and home health services. The presence of underserved populations, such as those with limited English proficiency, would require healthcare providers to offer culturally sensitive care and translation services.

To gain a more complete picture, the analysis should incorporate data from multiple sources. This includes data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and state health departments. Data on hospitalizations, mortality rates, and the prevalence of specific diseases can help to paint a more accurate picture of the overall health status of the population.

In conclusion, the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 26136 and primary care availability in Big Bend is likely to be impacted by several factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are particularly important. The presence of standout practices and the ability to address the specific needs of the population can help to improve the score. The analysis should be comprehensive, incorporating data from various sources and considering the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes.

For a more detailed and interactive visualization of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 26136 and the Big Bend area, including physician locations, service availability, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the region's healthcare resources, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in healthcare access.