The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26161, Petroleum, West Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 86.81 percent of the residents in 26161 has some form of health insurance. 54.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 34.82 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 26161 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 164 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26161. 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 354 health care providers accessible to residents in 26161, Petroleum, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26161, Petroleum, West Virginia
Overall Health Score | 68 |
---|---|
People Score | 97 |
Provider Score | 51 |
Hospital Score | 48 |
Travel Score | 22 |
26161 | Petroleum | West Virginia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 7,239.26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 28,719.51 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 55,714.29 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Overall Health Score Analysis: Petroleum, WV (ZIP Code 26161)
Evaluating the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 26161, encompassing the town of Petroleum, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the current state of healthcare access and quality for the residents of this rural community.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**
The foundation of a healthy community rests on accessible primary care. Assessing this in Petroleum necessitates understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric compares the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors relative to the number of residents, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio signifies a greater availability of PCPs, improving access and potentially fostering more proactive healthcare practices.
Data collection for this analysis would involve identifying all practicing PCPs within the ZIP Code and calculating the population served. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau would be crucial. Furthermore, the analysis must consider the types of PCPs available: general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists. The specific mix of these specialties impacts the range of services available locally.
**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**
Beyond raw physician numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves researching their reputations, accreditations, and patient satisfaction scores. This requires examining patient reviews, assessing the practice’s adoption of evidence-based medicine, and reviewing any relevant quality metrics published by healthcare organizations.
Factors to consider include the use of electronic health records (EHRs), which streamline patient information management and facilitate care coordination. The presence of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs or preventative care initiatives, would also contribute to a higher score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication and accessible appointment scheduling, would be highly valued.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Rural Gap:**
Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely via technology, offers a crucial lifeline in rural communities like Petroleum. Its adoption significantly impacts the ‘Overall Health Score’. Telemedicine can expand access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and offer mental health services where in-person options are limited.
Evaluating telemedicine adoption requires investigating which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor. A high rate of telemedicine adoption, coupled with robust internet infrastructure, would significantly improve the ‘Overall Health Score’ by increasing access to care and reducing the burden of travel for patients.
**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and its availability is a key determinant of community health. Assessing mental health resources in Petroleum involves identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of support groups, crisis intervention services, and substance abuse treatment programs is also crucial.
The ‘Overall Health Score’ will reflect the breadth and accessibility of these resources. A community with limited mental health services would receive a lower score, while a community with a comprehensive network of mental health providers and support systems would receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings, such as through collaborative care models, would also be viewed favorably.
**Specific Considerations for Petroleum, WV:**
Given the rural nature of Petroleum, specific challenges and opportunities must be considered. The distance to larger medical centers, the availability of public transportation, and the socioeconomic demographics of the community all impact healthcare access. The analysis should consider the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other programs designed to serve underserved populations.
Furthermore, the analysis should consider any unique health challenges faced by the community, such as high rates of chronic diseases or substance abuse. The presence of community health initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges would positively influence the ‘Overall Health Score’.
**Calculating the ‘Overall Health Score’:**
The final ‘Overall Health Score’ would be a composite measure, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources would each contribute to the final score. The weighting of each factor would be determined based on its impact on healthcare access and quality.
The score would be presented as a numerical value, along with a narrative summary explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Petroleum. This summary would provide actionable insights for improving healthcare access and quality.
**Conclusion:**
Assessing the ‘Overall Health Score’ for Petroleum, WV (ZIP Code 26161) is a complex undertaking requiring detailed data collection and analysis. The resulting score will reflect the availability of primary care, the quality of existing practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis will highlight areas for improvement and inform strategies to enhance the health and well-being of the community.
**Call to Action:**
To visualize the healthcare landscape in Petroleum and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide a dynamic and interactive view of physician locations, telemedicine availability, and other critical healthcare data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare access within the community.
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