26542, Masontown, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26542, Masontown, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.27 percent of the residents in 26542 has some form of health insurance. 43.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.03 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 26542 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 370 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 59 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26542. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 530 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,723 health care providers accessible to residents in 26542, Masontown, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Masontown, WV (ZIP Code 26542)

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Masontown, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26542) requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the presence of doctors. This analysis assesses primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment for the area.

Masontown, a small town in Preston County, faces unique challenges common to rural communities. Limited access to specialists, transportation difficulties, and socioeconomic factors often impact health outcomes. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation must acknowledge these contextual elements.

**Primary Care Availability:**

The cornerstone of any healthy community is robust primary care. Assessing this involves evaluating the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code, along with their appointment availability and acceptance of new patients. This data is often difficult to obtain precisely due to privacy regulations and the dynamic nature of medical practices. However, publicly available resources, such as insurance provider directories and online physician finders, offer a starting point.

In Masontown, the number of PCPs is likely limited. Given the town's size and rural location, residents may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities, such as Morgantown, for primary care. This travel distance can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care, particularly for elderly individuals or those without reliable transportation. The availability of same-day or next-day appointments, a critical indicator of accessible care, is also likely constrained.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric for evaluating healthcare access. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) indicates a greater potential for appointment delays, longer wait times, and increased workload for existing physicians. Determining the exact ratio for Masontown requires population data and the number of actively practicing PCPs.

Given the likely limited number of PCPs, the physician-to-patient ratio in 26542 is likely unfavorable. This necessitates strategies to improve access, such as recruiting more physicians, expanding telehealth services, or implementing innovative care models.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating clinics and individual physicians based on several factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the availability of specialized services are essential. Practices that embrace technology, offer extended hours, and demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care are considered more favorable.

In Masontown, the presence of large, multi-specialty practices is unlikely. Instead, the healthcare landscape is probably characterized by smaller, independent practices or clinics affiliated with larger healthcare systems in nearby cities. Identifying standout practices requires careful research, including reviewing patient testimonials and assessing the services offered.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural areas. It can overcome geographical barriers, reduce travel time, and improve access to specialists. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

The adoption of telemedicine in Masontown is likely growing but may still be in its early stages. Factors such as internet connectivity, physician training, and patient acceptance influence its implementation. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine can significantly improve healthcare access for residents.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. Access to mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial. Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of these services within the ZIP code and the ease with which patients can access them.

Mental health resources in Masontown may be limited. Rural areas often face shortages of mental health professionals. Residents may need to seek care in neighboring towns or cities. Identifying and supporting existing mental health providers and expanding access to telehealth for mental health services are critical priorities.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of the factors discussed above, the "Overall Health Score" for Masontown, WV (ZIP Code 26542) is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. While specific data is needed to provide a definitive score, the limited number of PCPs, potential challenges in accessing specialists, and the likely constraints in mental health resources suggest a need for proactive measures to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

The community could benefit from initiatives to recruit more physicians, expand telemedicine services, and strengthen mental health resources. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to address these challenges.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach. While this analysis provides a general overview, the actual health score depends on detailed data collection and analysis.

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Masontown, WV, and other areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping tools offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for visualization of healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital locations, and socioeconomic factors, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access.