26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.49 percent of the residents in 26291 has some form of health insurance. 27.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.24 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 26291 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 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26291. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 52 health care providers accessible to residents in 26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 26291 & Primary Care in Slatyfork

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 26291, encompassing the Slatyfork community, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The fundamental building block of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Slatyfork, assessing primary care availability begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a crucial indication of whether the existing medical professionals can adequately serve the population. A low ratio, meaning a relatively small number of physicians for a large number of residents, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction, and potentially, compromised health outcomes. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a greater likelihood of accessible care. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within 26291 needs to be determined through local data collection. National averages serve as a benchmark, but local factors, such as the age distribution of the population and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, significantly influence the true need for primary care services.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and reputation of existing medical practices are critical. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the breadth of services offered, and the utilization of modern medical technologies. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback from patients, offer a comprehensive range of services (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized treatments), and embrace technological advancements are more likely to deliver superior healthcare. Researching online reviews, consulting with local community members, and analyzing practice websites are essential steps in identifying these high-performing practices. The presence of board-certified physicians and the accreditation status of the facilities also contribute to the overall quality assessment.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has emerged as a significant force in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Slatyfork. The adoption rate of telemedicine among local physicians is a key indicator of the community's ability to overcome geographical barriers and provide convenient healthcare options. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care and are likely to improve the overall health score. Investigating the types of telemedicine services available (e.g., video conferencing, phone consultations, secure messaging) and their integration into existing care pathways is crucial.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is a critical factor in assessing the health landscape of 26291. The presence of these professionals within the community, or the ease of access to them through referral networks or telehealth services, significantly impacts the health score. Assessing the availability of mental health services also involves evaluating the presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and crisis intervention services. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings can further enhance access and improve patient outcomes.

The overall health score for 26291 is a complex metric, influenced by the interplay of all the factors discussed. A high score would reflect a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality medical practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. The assessment should also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, as factors like income levels, insurance coverage, and educational attainment can influence health outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis needs to incorporate the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the Slatyfork community. Rural communities often face unique hurdles, such as limited transportation options, a lack of specialized medical services, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, such as mobile health clinics, partnerships between local hospitals and telehealth providers, and initiatives to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for 26291 is a dynamic measure that requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. By regularly assessing the key indicators discussed above, the community can identify areas of strength and weakness, and develop strategies to improve the health and well-being of its residents. This comprehensive analysis provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Slatyfork and can be used to inform future planning and resource allocation.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 26291, including the location of medical facilities, the distribution of healthcare professionals, and the accessibility of various services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize this data, offering a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access in your community.