26451, West Milford, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.23 percent of the residents in 26451 has some form of health insurance. 20.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.44 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 26451 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 94 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26451. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 39 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,039 health care providers accessible to residents in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26451 and Primary Care Availability in West Milford**

West Milford, West Virginia, nestled within ZIP code 26451, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing its overall health landscape. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. We will attempt to quantify these factors to arrive at an "Overall Health Score" for the area. Due to the nature of available data and the complexity of the healthcare system, this score will be an approximation based on publicly accessible information and industry trends.

One of the most critical metrics in evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In rural areas like West Milford, this ratio often presents a significant hurdle. According to the latest available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the physician-to-patient ratio in Harrison County, where West Milford is located, is concerning, potentially exceeding the national average. This means that each physician is responsible for a larger number of patients, which can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and overall strain on the healthcare system. The specific ratio for ZIP code 26451 itself is difficult to pinpoint precisely due to data aggregation at the county level, but it is reasonable to assume that the situation in West Milford reflects the broader challenges faced by Harrison County.

Identifying "standout practices" is crucial for understanding the quality of care available. While a comprehensive review requires on-the-ground investigation, publicly available information, such as patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, can offer insights. Practices with consistently positive reviews, highlighting aspects like patient communication, thoroughness of examinations, and overall satisfaction, can be considered standout performers. Furthermore, practices that are affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals often have access to more resources and specialized services, potentially improving the quality of care. It is important to note that the lack of readily available information on specific practices within 26451 makes this assessment challenging.

The adoption of telemedicine is another key indicator of healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and making healthcare more convenient. The extent of telemedicine adoption in West Milford's primary care practices is a critical factor in the overall health score. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and medication management, are likely to score higher. Information on telemedicine availability can be found on practice websites, insurance provider directories, and through direct inquiries.

Mental health resources are often under-resourced in rural communities. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the population. The presence of these professionals, along with support groups and mental health programs, significantly impacts the overall health score. The availability of mental health services in West Milford is a key factor to consider.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 26451 and primary care availability in West Milford would be influenced by these factors. The score would be lower if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, telemedicine adoption is low, and mental health resources are scarce. Conversely, the score would be higher if there are standout practices, telemedicine is widely available, and robust mental health services are present.

To arrive at a more definitive score, a weighted approach would be necessary. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio could be weighted most heavily, given its direct impact on access to care. Telemedicine adoption could be weighted moderately, reflecting its role in improving accessibility. The presence of standout practices and mental health resources could be weighted equally, recognizing their importance in the quality and comprehensiveness of care.

The final score would be a composite, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in West Milford. It would serve as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It could be used to identify areas for improvement, such as recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to mental health resources.

The challenge in assessing the health landscape of West Milford lies in the lack of granular data. Publicly available information is often aggregated at the county or state level, making it difficult to obtain precise insights into the specific needs of the community. Further research, including direct surveys of local practices and residents, would be needed to refine the analysis and arrive at a more accurate assessment.

In conclusion, the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 26451 and primary care availability in West Milford is likely moderate, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare. The high physician-to-patient ratio, the potential limitations in telemedicine adoption, and the scarcity of mental health resources are significant concerns. However, the presence of standout practices, if any, could offer some counterbalance.

For a more detailed visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas where improvements are needed.