26202, Fenwick, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26202, Fenwick, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.42 percent of the residents in 26202 has some form of health insurance. 77.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.80 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 26202 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 51 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26202. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 159 health care providers accessible to residents in 26202, Fenwick, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26202 and Fenwick Primary Care

This analysis delves into the overall health landscape of ZIP code 26202, focusing on primary care availability within the adjacent area of Fenwick, West Virginia. We will assess various factors contributing to an "Overall Health Score," including physician-to-patient ratios, identification of standout practices, the prevalence of telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment for residents and highlight areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on access to primary care. In Fenwick, evaluating primary care availability involves assessing the number of practicing physicians within a reasonable geographic radius, considering travel times and transportation limitations common in rural areas. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, often signals potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, increased wait times, and potentially, a higher burden on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved health outcomes.

The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 26202, and the surrounding Fenwick area, is a key data point that requires careful consideration. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards will be essential to determine this ratio. A low ratio, for instance, might indicate a need for initiatives to attract and retain primary care physicians in the region. This could include offering incentives, such as loan repayment programs, or highlighting the quality of life and community benefits of practicing medicine in a rural setting.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices that consistently receive positive patient reviews, offer comprehensive services like preventative care, chronic disease management, and women's health, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively are likely to be considered high-performing. Researching local patient reviews, examining practice websites for detailed service descriptions, and assessing the presence of accreditation from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can help identify these standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the healthcare landscape, especially in rural areas like Fenwick. Telemedicine, which includes video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the ease with which patients can access their medical records online. Practices actively embracing telemedicine are better positioned to serve a wider patient population and provide more convenient care.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is essential for addressing the growing need for mental healthcare. Assessing the mental health landscape involves examining the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, the availability of support groups, and the presence of mental health programs offered by local organizations. Access to mental health services can be particularly challenging in rural areas, so identifying and promoting existing resources, and advocating for increased mental health support, is crucial.

The analysis of these factors will allow for a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment. This score will be a composite metric, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The score will provide a snapshot of the current health landscape and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio, combined with limited telemedicine adoption and a scarcity of mental health resources, would likely result in a lower overall health score. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with robust telemedicine capabilities and readily available mental health services, would contribute to a higher score.

Data collection and analysis are crucial to this process. Gathering data from multiple sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, patient surveys, and community organizations, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the health landscape. This data will then be analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.

The final "Overall Health Score" will serve as a benchmark for future progress. Regular assessments, using the same methodology, will allow for tracking changes in the health landscape over time. This will enable policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of their initiatives and make informed decisions about resource allocation.

Ultimately, improving the health of the community requires a collaborative effort. Healthcare providers, policymakers, community organizations, and residents all have a role to play in creating a healthier environment. By understanding the current health landscape, identifying areas for improvement, and working together to implement positive change, the community can strive towards a healthier future.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 26202 and the surrounding Fenwick area, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into easily understandable visual insights.