26591, Worthington, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.94 percent of the residents in 26591 has some form of health insurance. 32.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.60 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 26591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 326 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 828 health care providers accessible to residents in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26591 and Primary Care Availability in Worthington**

The assessment of healthcare within ZIP code 26591, encompassing the town of Worthington, requires a multifaceted approach, examining not only the raw numbers of physicians but also the quality, accessibility, and integration of care. This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' considering various factors, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in this specific locale.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the physician-to-patient ratio. Accurate data, ideally sourced from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau, is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can signal significant challenges. In Worthington, the population size, combined with the number of practicing primary care physicians, provides the initial benchmark. A higher ratio, while not inherently negative, necessitates further scrutiny of factors such as physician specialization, patient demographics, and the distribution of care across the community.

Beyond the raw physician count, the types of healthcare providers available are critical. The presence of primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists, and ancillary services, such as physical therapy and radiology, paints a more complete picture. The availability of specialists, particularly in fields common to rural areas, like cardiology and gastroenterology, can significantly impact patient outcomes. The proximity of these specialists to the population of Worthington, and the ease of access to their services, are key considerations.

Standout practices within the ZIP code, or those serving the Worthington area, deserve specific recognition. These practices often demonstrate exemplary patient care, innovative service delivery models, or a commitment to community health. Identifying these practices involves examining patient reviews, assessing the adoption of technology, and evaluating their participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that actively engage with the community, offering health education programs or participating in outreach events, can be considered as demonstrating a high level of community health engagement.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. The ability to access healthcare remotely can significantly improve accessibility, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The availability of telemedicine consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual mental health services is a key factor in assessing the overall health score. The adoption rate among local practices, the types of services offered via telemedicine, and the patient experience with these technologies are important considerations.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health counselors in and around Worthington is a critical factor. Assessing the availability of these resources, including the wait times for appointments and the acceptance of various insurance plans, is essential. The presence of support groups, mental health advocacy organizations, and programs addressing specific mental health challenges further enhances the overall health score.

The integration of healthcare services also affects the overall health score. The extent to which different healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals, communicate and coordinate patient care is an important factor. Electronic health record (EHR) systems, interoperability between different systems, and the use of care management programs contribute to effective care coordination. The seamless transfer of patient information between providers and the ability to track patient progress across different settings improve the quality of care.

Accessibility of care is another critical factor. This includes factors such as the proximity of healthcare facilities, transportation options, and the availability of evening and weekend appointments. The presence of public transportation, ride-sharing services, or patient transportation programs can significantly improve access to care for those who may not have their own vehicles. The availability of extended hours and weekend appointments can also improve access for individuals with work or family commitments.

The socioeconomic factors of the population within ZIP code 26591 also affect the overall health score. The poverty rate, educational attainment, and employment rates can significantly impact health outcomes. Lower socioeconomic status is often associated with poorer health outcomes, including increased rates of chronic diseases and reduced access to care. Addressing these socioeconomic disparities is an essential part of improving the overall health of the community.

Finally, the overall health score should consider the community’s health literacy. The ability of individuals to understand and use health information is crucial for making informed decisions about their health. The presence of health education programs, community health workers, and resources in multiple languages can enhance health literacy. Initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs and nutrition education, can also contribute to the overall health score.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 26591 and primary care availability in Worthington requires a comprehensive analysis. It goes beyond simply counting doctors and considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, care coordination, accessibility, and socioeconomic factors. A holistic approach is crucial for accurately assessing the health of the community and identifying areas for improvement.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in Worthington and the surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping technology provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, empowering you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your health.