26448, Wallace, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.85 percent of the residents in 26448 has some form of health insurance. 59.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.99 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 26448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26448. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 295 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 461 health care providers accessible to residents in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Wallace, WV (ZIP Code 26448)

Analyzing the overall health landscape for residents of Wallace, West Virginia, specifically within the 26448 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on accessible primary care. In Wallace, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. The area's rural nature often presents challenges, including a potential shortage of healthcare professionals. Assessing the number of general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists serving the 26448 ZIP code is paramount. Data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with information from local healthcare providers, is essential to determine the actual number of active physicians.

Next, the physician-to-patient ratio must be calculated. This metric offers a direct measure of primary care accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signify longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Ideally, this ratio should align with, or exceed, the national average. However, in rural areas, this is often a struggle. Analyzing the population demographics of the 26448 ZIP code, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, provides context to the physician-to-patient ratio.

Identifying standout medical practices within Wallace is crucial. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care, potentially offering a wider range of services, specialized expertise, or innovative approaches to patient care. Analyzing factors such as patient reviews, the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of extended hours, and the adoption of advanced technologies is important. Assessing the practices' commitment to preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education is also essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the overall health score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers exist. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the 26448 ZIP code, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients, is vital. The success of telemedicine relies on factors such as broadband internet access and patient digital literacy.

Mental health resources are often underrepresented in rural communities. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the 26448 ZIP code. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals. Assessing the accessibility of these services, including wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of crisis intervention resources, is essential. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is a crucial factor in providing comprehensive care.

The analysis should also consider the presence of any community health initiatives or programs that promote health and wellness. This could include health education programs, support groups for chronic conditions, or partnerships with local organizations to address social determinants of health. A community's investment in preventative care and health promotion can significantly impact its overall health score.

The final "Overall Health Score" will be a composite of these various factors. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison to national averages or other benchmarks. The score will also be accompanied by a detailed narrative that explains the methodology, the data sources used, and the rationale behind the weighting of each factor.

The analysis will also identify areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used by local healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to improve the health of the residents of Wallace.

The analysis will be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that the "Overall Health Score" remains relevant and useful over time. The dynamic nature of the healthcare system, including changes in staffing, technology, and community needs, requires continuous monitoring and evaluation.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of a community requires a nuanced understanding of its healthcare resources and challenges. By carefully analyzing the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" can be generated. This score, coupled with actionable recommendations, can be a valuable tool for improving the health and well-being of the residents of Wallace, West Virginia.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wallace and surrounding areas, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and population density data, explore CartoChrome maps.