26415, Pennsboro, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26415, Pennsboro, West Virginia is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.69 percent of the residents in 26415 has some form of health insurance. 47.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.24 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 26415 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 610 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26415. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 606 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 69 health care providers accessible to residents in 26415, Pennsboro, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Pennsboro, WV (ZIP Code 26415)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Pennsboro, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26415) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the presence of mental health support, culminating in an estimated health score. Due to the rural nature of the area, data availability is a significant factor, and this analysis relies on publicly accessible information and general healthcare trends.

The core of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural communities, this ratio is often a critical indicator. While specific, up-to-the-minute data for Pennsboro alone is challenging to pinpoint, the surrounding county, Ritchie County, generally faces a shortage of primary care physicians compared to the national average. This suggests that residents may experience longer wait times for appointments and potentially need to travel further for specialized care. The limited number of physicians also places a greater burden on each practitioner, potentially impacting the time available for each patient and the overall continuity of care.

Evaluating the quality of medical practices requires examining factors like patient reviews, accreditation status, and the range of services offered. The presence of board-certified physicians and the availability of specialized care, even if accessed through referrals, are positive indicators. In Pennsboro, identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into local directories and online reviews. The presence of a well-regarded family practice or internal medicine clinic, offering comprehensive services, would be a significant asset to the community. Conversely, the absence of such practices would necessitate residents seeking care in neighboring towns or cities.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, particularly in rural settings. It bridges geographical barriers and expands access to healthcare services. Assessing telemedicine integration involves determining if local practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and electronic health records (EHR) systems with patient portals. The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists who may not be physically present in Pennsboro. The degree of telemedicine adoption is a key factor in our health score.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is a critical element. The presence of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships with local schools and community organizations are also important indicators. Rural communities often face challenges in accessing mental healthcare due to a shortage of providers and the stigma associated with mental illness. The availability of these resources in Pennsboro is a significant factor in the overall health score.

Evaluating the overall health score for Pennsboro requires considering these factors collectively. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialized care, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of well-regarded practices, robust telemedicine integration, and readily available mental health support would contribute to a higher score.

Without specific, real-time data, it's challenging to provide a precise score. However, based on the general healthcare trends in rural West Virginia, the overall health score for Pennsboro (26415) likely falls in the moderate range. This suggests there are areas of strength, such as the dedication of existing healthcare providers, but also significant challenges, particularly in terms of access to care and the availability of specialized services.

The limited number of physicians and the potential for long wait times for appointments represent a significant challenge. The ability to find a primary care physician accepting new patients might be limited. The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, might be limited, requiring residents to travel to larger cities for these services.

Telemedicine adoption, while potentially present in some practices, may not be widespread. The level of adoption is a key factor in the overall health score. The lack of widespread adoption would limit access to care and potentially contribute to poorer health outcomes.

The presence of mental health resources is another critical factor. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and crisis intervention services is crucial for the overall well-being of the community. The scarcity of these resources would negatively impact the health score.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Pennsboro, WV (26415) is likely moderate, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses in the healthcare landscape. Addressing the challenges related to physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the community.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pennsboro and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide interactive visualizations, allowing you to analyze data, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and planning.