26621, Flatwoods, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26621, Flatwoods, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 73.61 percent of the residents in 26621 has some form of health insurance. 46.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.11 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 26621 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 147 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26621. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 178 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 233 health care providers accessible to residents in 26621, Flatwoods, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Flatwoods, WV (ZIP Code 26621)

Flatwoods, West Virginia, a small community nestled in Braxton County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing its overall health landscape. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for doctors practicing within ZIP code 26621 and evaluates primary care availability within the town. The assessment considers several crucial factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This information is synthesized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

One of the most significant indicators of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural communities, like Flatwoods, often face a shortage of healthcare professionals, leading to a higher patient load per physician. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, along with national averages, suggests that Braxton County, and by extension Flatwoods, likely experiences a physician-to-patient ratio that is less favorable than the national average. This means that residents may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially limiting access to timely preventative care and management of chronic conditions. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists, is likely even more limited, requiring residents to travel to larger cities for specialized care.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria, including patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. In a small community, the presence of a well-regarded primary care practice is crucial. The existence of a practice that emphasizes preventative care, offers extended hours, and has a positive reputation within the community would significantly boost the overall health score. Further, the presence of a practice that actively participates in community outreach programs or collaborates with local organizations to address health disparities would be a positive indicator. The presence of a family medicine practice or internal medicine clinic is crucial, and the quality of care provided by these practices is a critical component of the overall health score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographical challenges faced by rural communities. Its adoption rate is an important factor. The availability of telehealth services, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The extent to which practices in Flatwoods have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual appointments and the use of remote patient monitoring technologies, directly impacts the overall health score. The presence of a practice that offers telehealth options will improve the health score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is a critical factor in evaluating the healthcare landscape of any community. Rural areas often face a shortage of mental health professionals, leading to limited access to care for individuals struggling with mental health issues. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, or partnerships with behavioral health organizations in Flatwoods would positively influence the overall health score. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health specialists, would also be a positive indicator. The availability of support groups and community resources for mental health is also important.

**Overall Health Score Synthesis:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for doctors in ZIP code 26621 and primary care availability in Flatwoods is likely moderate. The community likely faces challenges related to physician shortages, particularly specialists, and the need for improved access to mental health services. The score would be improved by the presence of a well-regarded primary care practice, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services.

The health score would be significantly improved by the presence of more specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and neurologists. The score would also be improved by the presence of more mental health services. The score would be improved by the adoption of telemedicine.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score, Flatwoods could benefit from several initiatives. Recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, particularly primary care physicians and mental health specialists, is paramount. Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine by local practices would enhance access to care, particularly for those in remote areas. Supporting community-based mental health programs and integrating mental health services into primary care practices would address the critical need for mental health resources. Collaboration between local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is crucial to address healthcare disparities and improve the overall health and well-being of the Flatwoods community.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape of Flatwoods, WV (ZIP code 26621) is crucial for addressing the community's healthcare needs. The "Overall Health Score" provides a framework for evaluating the current state of healthcare access and quality. By considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards building a healthier community.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Flatwoods and surrounding areas, explore the power of spatial data analysis with CartoChrome maps. Visualize physician distribution, access to care, and other critical health indicators to gain a deeper understanding of the community's healthcare needs. Visit CartoChrome maps to see how spatial analysis can transform your understanding of healthcare access and delivery.