26601, Sutton, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26601, Sutton, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.08 percent of the residents in 26601 has some form of health insurance. 52.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.08 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 26601 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 693 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26601. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 834 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 240 health care providers accessible to residents in 26601, Sutton, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Sutton, WV (ZIP Code 26601)

Evaluating the overall health landscape within Sutton, West Virginia, specifically focusing on ZIP code 26601, necessitates a comprehensive analysis of primary care availability and the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis, culminating in an 'Overall Health Score,' will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the healthcare options available to residents and highlight areas of strength and weakness.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Sutton, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing current data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and potentially cross-referencing with census data for the 26601 ZIP code. This initial step is vital for understanding the fundamental capacity of the healthcare system.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of the medical practices within Sutton are significant. Identifying standout practices requires researching their services, patient reviews, and affiliations. Do they offer comprehensive primary care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialists? Are they accepting new patients? Examining the patient experience, including wait times, staff responsiveness, and overall satisfaction, provides valuable insights. Furthermore, the presence of specialized services, such as geriatric care or pediatric care, can significantly impact the health score for specific demographic groups.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, via video or phone, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Sutton. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to care for those who may have difficulty traveling to a physical clinic. Assessing the availability of telemedicine options among local practices, including the types of services offered through telemedicine (e.g., consultations, medication refills), is essential. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to expanding access and improving patient convenience.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall well-being, and their accessibility directly impacts the health score. The analysis must investigate the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the 26601 ZIP code. Are there mental health clinics or practices accepting new patients? Are there resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse? Furthermore, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling, can significantly improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.

The overall health score will reflect the cumulative impact of these factors. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score suggests areas needing improvement. The score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, using a scoring system (e.g., a scale of 1 to 100) to allow for easy comparison and understanding. The final score must be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used, including the data sources and weighting of each factor.

Furthermore, the analysis should identify any disparities in healthcare access or quality within the 26601 ZIP code. Are there specific populations, such as low-income individuals or the elderly, who face greater challenges in accessing care? Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable health outcomes for all residents. This involves examining factors such as insurance coverage, transportation access, and language barriers.

To accurately assess primary care availability, it's essential to consider the surrounding areas. Residents of Sutton may seek care in neighboring towns or cities. The analysis must therefore consider the proximity of other healthcare facilities, including hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialist practices, within a reasonable driving distance. This broader regional perspective provides a more complete picture of the healthcare options available to Sutton residents.

The final assessment should include recommendations for improving the healthcare landscape in Sutton. These recommendations might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, or addressing disparities in healthcare access. These recommendations should be specific, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of the community.

The process of compiling this analysis requires significant research, including data collection from various sources, such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and local healthcare providers. It also involves gathering qualitative data, such as patient reviews and feedback from community stakeholders. The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the opening of new practices, the expansion of telemedicine services, or the implementation of new healthcare policies.

Ultimately, the 'Overall Health Score' analysis for Sutton, WV (ZIP code 26601) provides a valuable tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. It can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and promote the overall health and well-being of the residents. This detailed examination provides a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sutton, including the locations of medical practices, specialist availability, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize and understand the complex factors that contribute to overall health.