26421, Pullman, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26421, Pullman, West Virginia is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.42 percent of the residents in 26421 has some form of health insurance. 59.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 22.04 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 26421 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26421. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 74 health care providers accessible to residents in 26421, Pullman, West Virginia.

The assessment of healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 26421, juxtaposed against the broader context of primary care availability in Pullman, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an overall health score evaluation. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, allowing for informed decisions regarding health services and resource allocation.

ZIP Code 26421, a specific geographic area, presents a unique set of healthcare challenges and opportunities. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of accessibility. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential strain on existing healthcare providers. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a more robust healthcare infrastructure, potentially leading to better patient outcomes. Determining the exact ratio for 26421 requires data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local healthcare provider directories. This data must be analyzed to accurately portray the current situation.

The presence of standout medical practices within 26421 significantly influences the overall health score. These practices are often characterized by exceptional patient care, advanced medical technologies, and a commitment to community health. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing performance metrics (such as patient satisfaction scores and clinical outcomes), and assessing the range of services offered. Practices that specialize in chronic disease management, preventative care, and specialized treatments contribute positively to the health score. The reputation of these practices within the community, as well as their affiliations with larger healthcare systems, also play a crucial role.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The extent to which physicians in 26421 have embraced telemedicine is a significant factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time, offering remote consultations, and providing virtual monitoring for chronic conditions. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their services contribute positively to the overall health score, especially for patients with mobility limitations.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of overall health. The assessment of mental health resources in 26421 includes evaluating the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available to residents. This also encompasses the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is a positive indicator, as it facilitates early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. A lack of adequate mental health resources can negatively impact the overall health score, potentially leading to untreated mental illnesses and increased healthcare costs.

Pullman, while not a ZIP Code, serves as a broader context for primary care availability. The overall health score of 26421 is influenced by the availability of primary care in the surrounding area. If Pullman has a robust primary care infrastructure, residents of 26421 may have better access to care, even if the resources within their ZIP Code are limited. Assessing primary care availability in Pullman involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio, the number of primary care physicians, and the accessibility of these physicians to residents of 26421. Factors such as the availability of transportation and the acceptance of various insurance plans are also considered.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP Code 26421 is a composite metric that integrates all the factors discussed above. It is not a simple average but a weighted assessment that considers the relative importance of each factor. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio may negatively impact the score more than a lack of telemedicine adoption. The presence of standout practices and a strong mental health infrastructure can partially offset the negative impact of other factors.

The health score is presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better healthcare accessibility and quality. The score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate it, including the sources of data and the weighting assigned to each factor. This transparency is essential for understanding the limitations of the score and for making informed decisions based on the assessment.

The overall health score serves as a tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness in the healthcare system within 26421. It can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents to make informed decisions about resource allocation, healthcare planning, and individual health choices. The score can also be used to track progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.

The health score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring changes in the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the performance of medical practices. Regular updates ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for decision-making.

The assessment of healthcare accessibility and quality is a dynamic process that requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The overall health score is a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in 26421 and for identifying areas where improvements are needed. This detailed analysis provides a starting point for addressing healthcare disparities and improving the overall health of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 26421 and Pullman, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, explore CartoChrome maps.