26160, Palestine, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26160, Palestine, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.66 percent of the residents in 26160 has some form of health insurance. 49.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.73 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 26160 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26160. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 167 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 197 health care providers accessible to residents in 26160, Palestine, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Palestine, WV (ZIP Code 26160)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment for the Palestine, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26160) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians and related healthcare resources. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight notable practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the accessibility of mental health services, ultimately providing a comprehensive understanding of the area's healthcare landscape.

The first critical element to consider is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas like Palestine, this ratio often presents a significant challenge. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, it is highly probable that the physician-to-patient ratio in 26160 is less favorable than the national average. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially dispersed population. The implications are numerous: longer wait times for appointments, increased pressure on existing providers, and potentially reduced access to preventative care. This scarcity can be a major factor in the overall health score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial for understanding the quality of care available. Assessing practices requires considering factors such as patient reviews, accreditation status, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, offering a wide range of services, and embracing technological advancements like electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals would score higher. The presence of specialists, even if they visit on a rotating basis, can also significantly enhance a practice's value.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital area to assess. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural settings. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and primary care physicians without traveling long distances. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 26160, including the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for patient education, directly impacts the health score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive higher marks.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is a key factor. This includes the accessibility of mental health professionals, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Areas with limited access to mental health resources often see a lower health score. The presence of community mental health centers or partnerships with telehealth providers specializing in mental health would positively influence the score.

The overall health score for Palestine, WV (26160) is likely to be impacted by several interconnected factors. The physician-to-patient ratio is a significant constraint. The availability of specialists, even through outreach programs or telemedicine, can improve the score. The adoption of telemedicine, particularly for primary care and mental health services, is crucial for improving access. The presence of strong, patient-centered practices, even if limited in number, will also contribute positively.

The remoteness of the area, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, further complicates the healthcare landscape. Transportation challenges, limited internet access, and financial constraints can create additional barriers to care. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals, expand telemedicine infrastructure, and increase access to affordable healthcare services.

A comprehensive assessment of the health score requires gathering data from various sources. This includes information from local healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations. Patient surveys and feedback are also valuable in understanding the patient experience. The analysis must also consider demographic data, including age distribution, socioeconomic indicators, and prevalence of chronic diseases.

The final health score would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability would likely carry the most weight. The presence of high-quality primary care practices and specialist access would also significantly influence the score. The resulting score would provide a snapshot of the area's healthcare strengths and weaknesses, informing efforts to improve access and quality of care.

The health score should not be viewed as a static measure. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Regular reassessments are necessary to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and adapt strategies to meet the changing needs of the community. Continued monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that residents of Palestine, WV (26160) have access to the healthcare they need to live healthy lives.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence healthcare access and quality in rural communities. Addressing the challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, policymakers, community organizations, and residents. Improving the overall health score for Palestine, WV (26160) is an ongoing process that requires commitment, innovation, and a patient-centered approach.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Palestine, WV (26160), including the locations of healthcare providers, access to specialists, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a detailed, geographically-based view of the healthcare resources in your area.