26404, Meadowbrook, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26404, Meadowbrook, West Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.96 percent of the residents in 26404 has some form of health insurance. 39.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.91 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 26404 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 63 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26404. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 619 health care providers accessible to residents in 26404, Meadowbrook, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Meadowbrook, WV (ZIP Code 26404)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Meadowbrook, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26404) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to examine the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of innovative healthcare practices like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources within the community. This analysis aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Meadowbrook, the density of primary care providers is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely medical care. This means that residents may face longer wait times for appointments, increased difficulty in establishing a relationship with a regular physician, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 26404 is crucial. Data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to determine if the area is considered a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

Standout practices within the Meadowbrook area can significantly impact the overall health score. Identifying clinics or medical groups that consistently demonstrate patient satisfaction, offer a wide range of services, and utilize advanced technology would be beneficial. These practices might be distinguished by their commitment to preventative care, their efficiency in managing patient flow, or their ability to provide specialized services that are otherwise limited in the area. Analyzing patient reviews, surveying local residents, and examining the scope of services offered by each practice will help identify these standout providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. The ability to access healthcare remotely has become increasingly important, particularly for residents in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and provide opportunities for virtual consultations and monitoring. Evaluating the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services available via telemedicine (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management, mental health counseling), and the ease of access to these services are important considerations. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine will likely contribute positively to the overall health score.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of the community. Assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times) is essential. Additionally, examining the presence of community-based mental health programs, support groups, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can provide a more holistic view of the mental health landscape.

To further evaluate the health score, it is important to consider the demographics of the population within 26404. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases can influence healthcare needs and access. Analyzing this data will help to tailor the assessment to the specific needs of the community. For example, a high percentage of elderly residents may require increased access to geriatric care, while a high prevalence of diabetes may necessitate increased access to diabetes management programs.

The overall health score is not just about the number of doctors or the presence of telemedicine. It is a complex measure that considers the interplay of various factors. It reflects the community's ability to access timely, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. The score would ideally be a composite of several metrics, including: physician-to-patient ratio, percentage of practices offering telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, patient satisfaction scores, and the presence of preventative care programs.

The assessment of the overall health score should also consider the challenges faced by rural communities. These challenges may include geographic isolation, limited transportation options, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Understanding these challenges is essential for a realistic and nuanced assessment of the health landscape in Meadowbrook.

To determine the overall health score, a weighted approach would be used, where each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score would then be calculated based on the weighted average of all the factors.

The final "Overall Health Score" for Meadowbrook, WV (ZIP Code 26404) would then be presented, accompanied by a summary of the findings and recommendations for improvement. This could include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, and implementing community-based health programs.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the healthcare landscape in Meadowbrook, WV. By examining the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the demographics of the population, a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" can be determined. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform strategies for enhancing the health and well-being of the community.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare resources in Meadowbrook and beyond, explore the power of spatial data.