26275, Junior, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26275, Junior, West Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.76 percent of the residents in 26275 has some form of health insurance. 44.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.86 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 26275 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 154 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26275. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 64 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 563 health care providers accessible to residents in 26275, Junior, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Junior, WV (ZIP Code 26275)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Junior, WV area, specifically focusing on primary care availability within the 26275 ZIP code. The assessment considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this rural community.

The foundation of any health score analysis is the availability of primary care physicians. In Junior, WV, a significant challenge is likely to be the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural areas often struggle with a shortage of doctors, and this can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency conditions. Determining the precise ratio requires data on the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 26275 ZIP code and the total population served. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), would be crucial in gathering this data.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of the existing practices are important. Identifying "standout practices" necessitates evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Are there any practices known for their commitment to patient-centered care? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate working families? Are they equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, including chronic disease management and preventative screenings? This kind of assessment requires delving into patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, direct communication with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the overall health score. Telemedicine can be a lifeline in rural areas, providing access to specialists and routine care that might otherwise be unavailable. Assessing the telemedicine landscape involves determining which primary care practices offer telehealth appointments, what types of services are provided virtually (e.g., consultations, follow-ups, remote monitoring), and the availability of necessary technology for patients. This includes considerations like internet access and the availability of devices capable of supporting telehealth platforms.

Mental health resources are a crucial aspect of overall health, and their availability significantly impacts the health score. The analysis must assess the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community or easily accessible to residents. This includes evaluating whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, or if they have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The availability of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs also contributes to the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the presence of any community health initiatives or programs aimed at improving health outcomes. These might include programs focused on chronic disease prevention, substance abuse treatment, or maternal and child health. The effectiveness of these programs and their accessibility to the community are important factors in the overall health score.

The overall health score is not a static number; it is a reflection of the complex interplay of various factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the quality of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall health of the community. The score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, providing a roadmap for improvements.

In the context of Junior, WV, the analysis might reveal a shortage of primary care physicians, coupled with limited access to specialized medical care. The adoption of telemedicine might be moderate, potentially hindered by limited internet access in some areas. The availability of mental health resources could be a significant challenge, given the general scarcity of mental health providers in rural settings.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to transportation can all create barriers to accessing healthcare. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential for improving the overall health score.

The data collection process for this analysis involves various sources, including publicly available databases, practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, surveys or interviews with healthcare providers and community members. The data needs to be organized and analyzed to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Junior, WV.

The final overall health score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the key findings. The analysis should highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Junior, WV, and offer recommendations for improvement.

The insights gained from this analysis can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to make informed decisions about resource allocation, program development, and policy changes. The goal is to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Junior, WV.

To further enhance this analysis and visualize the data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Junior, WV, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the data. They can be used to map the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of health resources, and the areas of greatest need. This visual approach can be a powerful tool for communicating the findings of the analysis and advocating for improvements in healthcare access and quality.