26431, Shinnston, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26431, Shinnston, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.35 percent of the residents in 26431 has some form of health insurance. 54.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.83 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 26431 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,544 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26431. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,308 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 525 health care providers accessible to residents in 26431, Shinnston, West Virginia.

The overall health landscape in Shinnston, West Virginia, specifically within the 26431 ZIP code, presents a complex picture. Assessing the quality and accessibility of healthcare necessitates a deep dive into several interconnected factors, from physician availability to the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, considering these critical elements.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. While precise, up-to-the-minute data requires constant monitoring, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provide valuable insights. Shinnston, being a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a potential shortage of primary care physicians. This means that the number of available doctors per 1,000 residents could be lower than the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients, and a heavier workload for existing medical professionals. A lower physician-to-patient ratio would, therefore, negatively impact the overall health score.

Primary care availability is inextricably linked to the physician-to-patient ratio. Beyond the raw numbers, however, the types of primary care providers matter. Are there enough family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians to serve the diverse needs of the community? The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can often provide a significant portion of primary care services, can mitigate the impact of a physician shortage. The overall health score will be positively influenced by the availability of a comprehensive range of primary care providers.

Identifying standout practices requires examining several criteria. These include patient satisfaction scores, which can be found through surveys and online reviews. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding the quality of care, the responsiveness of staff, and the ease of access to appointments are likely to be highly regarded within the community. Additionally, the adoption of innovative practices, such as patient portals for online appointment scheduling and communication, can enhance the patient experience and contribute to a higher score. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community health initiatives, such as health screenings and educational programs, demonstrate a commitment to the overall well-being of Shinnston residents.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the modern healthcare landscape. The ability to access healthcare remotely, through video consultations and other digital tools, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas where travel distances are a barrier. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can expand their reach, provide convenient access to care for patients, and potentially reduce the burden on in-person appointments. The extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the healthcare ecosystem in Shinnston will significantly impact the overall health score. This includes not only the availability of telemedicine services but also the ease of use and the level of patient and provider training.

Mental health resources are often under-resourced, especially in rural communities. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is a critical indicator of community health. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services can significantly improve the well-being of residents. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, where mental health screenings and initial assessments can be conducted, can improve access to care. The overall health score will be significantly impacted by the availability and accessibility of mental health resources in Shinnston. This also includes the presence of programs addressing substance abuse, a prevalent issue in many rural communities.

The overall health score for Shinnston, 26431, is likely to be moderate. The potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio, common to rural areas, could negatively impact the score. The availability of a diverse range of primary care providers and the presence of standout practices with positive patient satisfaction scores would elevate the score. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services into the healthcare system would also be positive factors. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine adoption or limited mental health resources would lower the score. A comprehensive assessment would require detailed data on each of these factors, including patient satisfaction scores, physician availability, and the extent of telemedicine integration.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shinnston and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize healthcare data, allowing you to see physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant information in a clear and accessible format.