26205, Craigsville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26205, Craigsville, West Virginia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.43 percent of the residents in 26205 has some form of health insurance. 49.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.32 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 26205 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 510 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26205. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 676 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 159 health care providers accessible to residents in 26205, Craigsville, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Craigsville, WV (ZIP Code 26205)

Craigsville, West Virginia, nestled in the heart of Nicholas County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when evaluating its overall health landscape. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources within the 26205 ZIP code. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, offering a call to action for further exploration using advanced mapping tools.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Craigsville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Rural communities often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, and Craigsville is no exception. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population by the number of available primary care physicians, provides a basic understanding of access. A high ratio indicates a potential shortage, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Precise data on the current physician-to-patient ratio in 26205 requires up-to-date information from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau. However, historical trends and general rural healthcare statistics suggest that the ratio in Craigsville likely falls below the national average, indicating a potential challenge in accessing timely primary care.

Identifying standout practices within the community is essential. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care, offering a range of services and potentially setting a standard for others to emulate. Evaluating these practices involves considering factors like patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and the use of technology to enhance patient care. Are there practices in Craigsville that have embraced electronic health records (EHRs) to improve efficiency and coordination of care? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' schedules? Investigating these aspects provides a deeper understanding of the quality of care available.

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption in Craigsville is an important indicator of the community's ability to leverage technology to overcome geographical barriers. Are local primary care physicians utilizing telemedicine for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, or specialist referrals? The extent of telemedicine adoption can significantly impact the overall health score, as it can improve access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and potentially lower healthcare costs. A community with robust telemedicine infrastructure and utilization will likely score higher in this area.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of the health score. Rural communities often face challenges in accessing mental health services due to factors like limited availability of mental health professionals, stigma surrounding mental illness, and transportation difficulties. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups within the 26205 ZIP code is essential. Are there local mental health clinics or partnerships with regional mental health providers? Does the community have access to crisis intervention services? The presence and accessibility of mental health resources significantly impact the overall health score, particularly in areas facing economic hardship or social isolation.

Beyond the specific metrics discussed above, several other factors contribute to the overall health score. These include the prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), the rates of preventative care utilization (e.g., vaccinations, cancer screenings), and the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes (e.g., poverty rates, educational attainment). Data on these factors can be obtained from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Analyzing these data points provides a more holistic understanding of the health challenges and opportunities within Craigsville.

The overall health score for Craigsville, WV (26205) is likely to be moderate, with potential weaknesses in physician-to-patient ratios, access to mental health services, and the availability of specialized care. However, the community may have strengths in the quality of care provided by certain practices and the potential for growth in telemedicine adoption. A thorough assessment requires comprehensive data collection and analysis across all the mentioned areas.

To gain a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Craigsville, and to identify specific healthcare providers, their locations, and the services they offer, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow users to visualize healthcare data, analyze geographic patterns, and identify areas of need. By utilizing CartoChrome, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Craigsville and make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.