26280, Mill Creek, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26280, Mill Creek, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.65 percent of the residents in 26280 has some form of health insurance. 66.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.41 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 26280 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 345 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26280. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 377 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 378 health care providers accessible to residents in 26280, Mill Creek, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Mill Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26280)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Mill Creek, West Virginia, specifically within the 26280 ZIP code, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, the accessibility of primary care services, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact ratio within 26280 requires data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards. However, rural areas often struggle with physician shortages. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a significant challenge in accessing timely medical care. This scarcity impacts the "Overall Health Score" negatively.

Primary care availability is another crucial element. The presence of accessible primary care physicians (PCPs) is vital for preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall population health. Assessing availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, their acceptance of new patients, and the wait times for appointments. Ideally, a robust primary care system should offer a range of services, including routine checkups, vaccinations, and management of common illnesses. The geographical distribution of these practices is also important. Are they centrally located, or are some residents forced to travel long distances to access care? Limited primary care access would significantly detract from the "Overall Health Score."

Identifying standout practices within the community is essential. These practices may excel in areas such as patient satisfaction, quality of care, or innovative service delivery. Researching patient reviews, examining quality metrics (if publicly available), and assessing the adoption of best practices are all important. For example, a practice that consistently receives high marks for patient communication and empathy would positively influence the "Overall Health Score." Conversely, a practice with consistently negative reviews or a history of quality issues would negatively impact the score.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers a way to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare services. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services available through telemedicine (e.g., consultations, follow-ups), and the ease of use for patients. A high level of telemedicine adoption would positively influence the "Overall Health Score," particularly for residents who may face challenges traveling to in-person appointments.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. Access to mental health services is often limited in rural areas. Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the ZIP code. This assessment should also consider the availability of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and substance abuse treatment programs. A lack of adequate mental health resources would significantly detract from the "Overall Health Score." The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also a positive factor, as it can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Beyond these core factors, other elements can influence the "Overall Health Score." These include the availability of specialized medical services (e.g., cardiology, oncology), the presence of a local hospital or clinic, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population. Data from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide valuable insights into these factors.

The socioeconomic context of Mill Creek is also important. Factors such as poverty rates, educational attainment, and access to healthy food can significantly impact health outcomes. A population facing socioeconomic challenges may have greater healthcare needs and may face barriers to accessing care. These challenges would need to be considered when interpreting the "Overall Health Score."

In conclusion, a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment for 26280 requires a detailed evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and the socioeconomic context of the community. The ultimate goal is to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Mill Creek. The "Overall Health Score" is not a static number but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources within 26280 and identify areas of need, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, clinic locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of healthcare access.