26208, Camden On Gauley, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26208, Camden On Gauley, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.12 percent of the residents in 26208 has some form of health insurance. 55.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.09 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 26208 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 192 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26208. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 150 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 158 health care providers accessible to residents in 26208, Camden On Gauley, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Camden on Gauley, WV (ZIP Code 26208)

Analyzing the overall health score for the Camden on Gauley, WV (ZIP Code 26208) area requires a nuanced approach, considering various factors influencing healthcare access and quality. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any health score assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Camden on Gauley, the number of practicing primary care physicians is a critical indicator. Data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with information from healthcare directories and local health authorities, is essential to determine the exact count. This number, when compared to the population of ZIP Code 26208, yields the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, typically suggests potential challenges in accessing timely and convenient primary care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally signifies better access to care. Conversely, a lower ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased difficulty in establishing a patient-physician relationship, and potential delays in preventative care. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark. Comparing the ratio in Camden on Gauley to this national average provides a clear picture of the local situation. This comparison reveals whether the area faces a shortage or has adequate primary care resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is equally important. Identifying standout practices within the ZIP Code is crucial. This requires examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, physician credentials, accreditation status (e.g., from the Joint Commission), and the range of services offered. Practices that consistently demonstrate high patient satisfaction, employ board-certified physicians, and offer a comprehensive range of services contribute positively to the overall health score. Information from patient reviews, online physician directories, and local health organizations is vital for this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas like Camden on Gauley, where geographic barriers can limit access to care. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care and patient convenience. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption involves examining the practices of local physicians and healthcare facilities.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for addressing mental health needs within the community. Evaluating the availability of these resources involves identifying the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). The presence of community mental health centers and partnerships with local organizations also contributes to the overall score.

In addition to direct healthcare providers, the presence of supporting infrastructure plays a role. This includes the availability of pharmacies, diagnostic imaging services, and emergency medical services. The proximity and accessibility of these resources can significantly impact the overall health score. The presence of community health initiatives, such as health education programs and disease prevention campaigns, also contribute positively.

The assessment of the overall health score must consider the socioeconomic factors of the area. Factors such as poverty rates, educational attainment, and access to healthy food can significantly influence health outcomes. Analyzing these socioeconomic indicators provides context for understanding the healthcare needs of the community. The presence of social support networks and community resources can also mitigate some of the challenges associated with these factors.

To provide a comprehensive health score, it is essential to integrate all these factors. Each factor should be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care, and the presence of mental health resources should receive significant weight. The adoption of telemedicine and the presence of supporting infrastructure should also be considered. The socioeconomic factors should be used to provide context and inform the interpretation of the score.

The final health score should be presented in a clear and concise manner. A numerical score, along with a descriptive summary of the findings, provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Camden on Gauley. The summary should highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the area's healthcare system, along with any recommendations for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve healthcare access and quality.

The analysis reveals a complex picture of healthcare in Camden on Gauley. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of primary care, and the presence of mental health resources are all critical considerations. The adoption of telemedicine and the presence of supporting infrastructure also play a role. The socioeconomic factors of the area provide context for understanding the healthcare needs of the community.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and to visualize the data discussed, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the area's health resources.