26268, Glady, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26268, Glady, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 20.69 percent of the residents in 26268 has some form of health insurance. 20.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 26268 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26268. An estimate of 1 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 357 health care providers accessible to residents in 26268, Glady, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Glady, WV (ZIP Code 26268)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 26268, encompassing the town of Glady, West Virginia, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform residents and healthcare stakeholders.

The fundamental challenge in Glady, and indeed much of rural West Virginia, is the limited availability of primary care physicians. Physician-to-patient ratios are likely unfavorable, potentially exceeding the national average significantly. This scarcity can lead to delayed care, longer wait times for appointments, and increased reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency conditions. Factors contributing to this include the geographic isolation of the area, the difficulty in attracting and retaining medical professionals, and the economic constraints that can limit healthcare infrastructure development.

Standout practices are crucial in a setting with limited resources. Identifying and evaluating the performance of existing primary care providers is essential. This involves assessing factors like patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, the integration of technology, and the practice's commitment to preventative care. While specific practice names cannot be listed here, research should focus on identifying those with a reputation for quality care, patient-centered approaches, and a willingness to innovate.

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographic barriers hindering access to care. The adoption rate of telemedicine within the 26268 ZIP code is a critical indicator of the community's health score. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, providing access to specialists, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management support. The success of telemedicine adoption depends on factors such as the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians to embrace this technology, and the patient's comfort level with virtual consultations.

Mental health resources are a particularly important aspect of the overall health score. Rural communities often face higher rates of mental health challenges due to factors like social isolation, economic hardship, and limited access to specialized care. Assessing the availability of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is vital. Furthermore, the presence of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs contributes significantly to a positive health score.

The assessment of these factors leads to an 'Overall Health Score' for Glady, WV (ZIP Code 26268). This score is not a single numerical value but rather a composite understanding of the community's healthcare strengths and weaknesses. It is a dynamic measure, subject to change based on evolving healthcare trends, population shifts, and the introduction of new services.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios is a key component of this overall score. High ratios, indicating a shortage of physicians, negatively impact the score. Conversely, improvements in physician recruitment and retention would positively affect the score. Data from state medical boards, the US Census Bureau, and healthcare professional organizations can be used to determine these ratios.

The presence of standout practices, as mentioned earlier, can offset some of the negative impacts of low physician-to-patient ratios. Practices that prioritize patient care, embrace technology, and offer a wide range of services contribute to a higher overall score. Evaluating these practices involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the scope of services offered, and examining the integration of technology, such as electronic health records and patient portals.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. A high rate of telemedicine utilization can improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas. The overall score benefits from the availability of telehealth services, which can mitigate some of the negative effects of limited physical access to healthcare providers. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the number of providers offering telehealth services, the types of services offered, and patient utilization rates.

Mental health resources are critical for the overall health score. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and crisis intervention services directly impacts the score. A community with robust mental health resources receives a higher score. Assessing mental health resources involves identifying the number of mental health providers, the availability of support groups, and the presence of crisis intervention services.

The overall health score is also influenced by social determinants of health. Factors such as poverty, education levels, access to healthy food, and housing quality impact the health of the community. While these factors are not directly related to healthcare access, they play a significant role in overall health outcomes. Considering these factors provides a more holistic assessment of the community's health.

The assessment of the overall health score requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, and the score must be updated regularly to reflect changes in the availability of healthcare services, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community. Data from various sources, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations, should be used to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the score.

This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for understanding the health landscape in Glady, WV (ZIP Code 26268). The 'Overall Health Score' is a dynamic indicator that can be used to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform healthcare planning and resource allocation. This assessment underscores the need for continued efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of healthcare services, and address the social determinants of health.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Glady, WV (ZIP Code 26268), and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome's interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facilities, and demographic data, offering a powerful tool for understanding and improving the health of the community.