26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 45.71 percent of the residents in 26273 has some form of health insurance. 20.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.00 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 26273 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 304 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26273. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 129 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 351 health care providers accessible to residents in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Huttonsville, WV (ZIP Code 26273)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Huttonsville, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the broader infrastructure supporting patient care. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care within ZIP code 26273, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Analyzing data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Board of Medicine is critical. We must determine the total population within 26273 and then identify the number of actively practicing primary care physicians. A low ratio would necessitate further investigation into the causes, potentially including physician shortages or an aging physician workforce.

Standout practices within the community can significantly impact the overall health score. Identifying those practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize innovative technologies, and achieve positive health outcomes is essential. This requires examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and the practice's integration with local hospitals and specialists. Practices with robust electronic health record (EHR) systems and a focus on care coordination would likely contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to healthcare services for individuals who might otherwise face significant travel challenges. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within 26273 involves identifying which primary care practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions or those living in remote areas. The availability of reliable internet infrastructure is a crucial supporting factor for the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is a critical factor in assessing the health landscape. Evaluating the presence of these resources within 26273 involves identifying local mental health providers, assessing the accessibility of services (e.g., appointment wait times, insurance acceptance), and examining the availability of support groups and other community-based mental health programs. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is a particularly valuable aspect of a comprehensive healthcare system.

The overall health score for Huttonsville (26273) is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated. The score would be derived from a composite of the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-performing primary care practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care, requiring targeted interventions to improve the health of the community.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental step. If the ratio is unfavorable, efforts to recruit and retain physicians in the area would be crucial. This could involve offering financial incentives, improving infrastructure, and creating a supportive environment for healthcare professionals.

The quality of primary care practices significantly influences the overall health score. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, utilize evidence-based practices, and demonstrate positive health outcomes should be recognized and supported. This could involve providing resources for practice improvement, promoting best practices, and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption can play a critical role in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Encouraging primary care practices to embrace telemedicine, providing training and technical support, and addressing any barriers to implementation would be beneficial.

Mental health resources are a vital component of a comprehensive healthcare system. Increasing the availability of mental health services, integrating mental health care into primary care settings, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness are crucial steps.

Data from local and state health departments, hospital systems, and professional organizations are essential. Publicly available data on physician counts, hospital utilization rates, and disease prevalence can be used to inform the analysis. Patient satisfaction surveys and community needs assessments can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and unmet healthcare needs.

The overall health score is a valuable tool for informing healthcare planning and policy decisions. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations can work together to improve the health of the community. The score can also be used to track progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.

The analysis reveals that the healthcare landscape in Huttonsville, WV (26273) presents specific challenges and opportunities. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall health score. Continuous monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative efforts are essential to ensure that residents of Huttonsville have access to high-quality, accessible healthcare.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Huttonsville and surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas of need and to plan healthcare initiatives.