26320, Alma, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26320, Alma, West Virginia is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.03 percent of the residents in 26320 has some form of health insurance. 52.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.04 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 26320 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 78 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26320. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 108 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 92 health care providers accessible to residents in 26320, Alma, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26320 & Primary Care Availability in Alma

This analysis provides an assessment of the overall health landscape within ZIP code 26320, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, with specific attention to the town of Alma. The evaluation considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This holistic approach aims to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare environment, offering insights into its strengths and weaknesses.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, reflecting a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential strain on existing healthcare providers. Analyzing the ratio within 26320 requires data collection from various sources, including the West Virginia Board of Medicine and insurance provider directories. This data must be cross-referenced with population figures for the ZIP code to determine the actual ratio. A concerning ratio would suggest a need for interventions, such as physician recruitment initiatives or the expansion of existing practices.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care is a critical factor. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several metrics. This includes patient satisfaction surveys, which provide direct feedback on the patient experience, including wait times, communication, and overall satisfaction. Examining the practice's commitment to preventative care, such as the frequency of screenings and vaccinations, is crucial. Furthermore, reviewing the practice's adoption of health information technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, can indicate a commitment to efficiency and patient engagement. Practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas contribute significantly to the overall health score of the region.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Alma. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to a physician's office. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining which practices offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered through telemedicine (e.g., consultations, follow-ups), and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with chronic conditions or those living in remote areas.

The availability of mental health resources is another critical component of the overall health score. Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and access to mental health services is essential for overall well-being. Evaluating this aspect involves assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists practicing within the ZIP code. This includes determining the availability of mental health services within primary care practices, as this can improve access to care. It also includes assessing the availability of crisis intervention services, support groups, and mental health education programs. A shortage of mental health resources can significantly detract from the overall health score.

Specific to Alma, a more granular analysis is necessary. This would involve focusing on the primary care practices located within the town and their ability to serve the local population. The analysis should identify the number of primary care physicians in Alma, their specialties, and their acceptance of different insurance plans. It should also assess the availability of ancillary services, such as laboratory testing and radiology, which are essential for comprehensive primary care. Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics that may serve the Alma population.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in 26320 and Alma should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and chronic disease prevalence can significantly impact healthcare needs. Understanding the specific health challenges faced by the population allows for a more targeted assessment of healthcare resources and the identification of areas for improvement. For example, a high prevalence of diabetes may necessitate increased access to diabetes education and management programs.

The overall health score will be derived from a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weights assigned to each factor should reflect their relative importance in determining the overall health of the population. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to mental health services may be given higher weights than telemedicine adoption. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, improving the health score requires a multifaceted approach. This may involve physician recruitment initiatives, the expansion of telemedicine services, the development of mental health programs, and efforts to address social determinants of health. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential for achieving sustainable improvements. Continuous monitoring of the health score and the factors that contribute to it is necessary to track progress and identify areas for further intervention.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 26320 and Alma, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can display data on physician locations, practice types, and other relevant information, allowing for a spatial analysis of healthcare access and resource distribution.