26217, Diana, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26217, Diana, West Virginia is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.04 percent of the residents in 26217 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.04 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 26217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26217. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 201 health care providers accessible to residents in 26217, Diana, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Diana, WV (ZIP Code 26217)

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Diana, West Virginia, and the surrounding ZIP code 26217, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis moves beyond a simple snapshot, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the available healthcare resources, their accessibility, and their potential impact on the community's well-being. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive evaluation culminates in an 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographic area.

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the availability of primary care physicians. In Diana, a rural community, this is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 26217 requires accessing current data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. This data, however, is often dynamic and requires regular updates to reflect changes in physician availability and population demographics. The challenge is to obtain the most up-to-date information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and reputation of existing primary care practices are essential. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and the practice's commitment to patient-centered care. Local community feedback, online reviews (while subjective, they provide valuable insights), and professional recognitions can contribute to this assessment. A practice known for its compassionate approach, efficient appointment scheduling, and commitment to patient education can significantly improve the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in assessing healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, can bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists or primary care physicians who may not be physically present in Diana. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the accessibility of these services to patients. Factors like internet connectivity within the community also play a significant role in the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

The mental health landscape is a critical component of overall health. Access to mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is often limited in rural areas. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in 26217 requires identifying the presence of mental health providers, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their accessibility to the community. This includes assessing insurance acceptance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of crisis intervention services. The presence of community-based mental health programs and support groups can also contribute to a more positive overall health score.

The overall health score for Diana, WV, and ZIP code 26217, is a composite metric. It is derived from the factors discussed above. The score is not a static number but rather a reflection of the current state of healthcare access and quality. A high score would indicate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of reputable primary care practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would signal challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for the community. The score should be considered a dynamic measure, requiring ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The challenges inherent in rural healthcare are significant. Limited resources, geographical isolation, and an aging population can exacerbate these challenges. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach. This approach includes attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine capabilities, increasing mental health resources, and fostering community partnerships to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

The assessment of healthcare in Diana, WV, and ZIP code 26217, is an ongoing process. Regular updates are crucial to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This requires continuous data collection, analysis, and community engagement. The goal is to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and delivers high-quality care to all residents. The commitment to improvement should be a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents.

The availability of data is a constant concern. Finding the most up-to-date information on physician-to-patient ratios, practice details, and mental health resources can be a challenge. The use of publicly available databases and reports from government agencies is essential. However, these resources may have limitations. For example, the data may not be updated frequently enough. Also, it may not provide enough detail about the specific services offered by each practice.

The use of technology can help improve healthcare access and quality. Telemedicine, as mentioned earlier, is a powerful tool for overcoming geographical barriers. Electronic health records (EHRs) can also improve care coordination and communication between healthcare providers. However, the successful implementation of these technologies requires adequate infrastructure, including reliable internet access and trained healthcare professionals.

Community involvement is also essential. Gathering feedback from residents about their healthcare experiences is crucial for identifying areas for improvement. This feedback can be collected through surveys, focus groups, and community meetings. Community involvement can help ensure that healthcare services are tailored to meet the specific needs of the population.

Understanding the health landscape in Diana, WV, and ZIP code 26217, requires a comprehensive approach. It needs to consider the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of existing practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This overall health score should be viewed as a dynamic measure, requiring continuous monitoring and evaluation.

To gain a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Diana, WV, and the surrounding area, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to visualize healthcare data, identify areas with limited access to care, and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources. CartoChrome maps can be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents who are working to improve healthcare access and outcomes.