26671, Gilboa, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26671, Gilboa, West Virginia is 0 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.38 percent of the residents in 26671 has some form of health insurance. 56.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.43 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 26671 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26671. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 307 health care providers accessible to residents in 26671, Gilboa, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Gilboa, WV (ZIP Code 26671)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 26671, encompassing the town of Gilboa, West Virginia, reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing resident well-being. This analysis, focusing on primary care availability and the practices of local physicians, aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment. The score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The initial assessment must acknowledge the inherent challenges faced by rural communities like Gilboa. Geographic isolation, limited access to specialized care, and socioeconomic factors often contribute to poorer health outcomes compared to urban areas. Therefore, any evaluation must be contextualized within these realities.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A crucial metric for evaluating health access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio directly reflects the availability of primary care physicians, the first point of contact for most healthcare needs. In Gilboa, and more broadly in rural West Virginia, this ratio is likely to be a significant concern. The state consistently faces a shortage of primary care physicians, and this scarcity is often amplified in remote areas.

To determine the precise ratio within 26671, detailed data analysis is required. This would involve identifying the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and comparing that number to the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and professional medical organizations can provide the necessary information. A low physician-to-patient ratio (i.e., a high number of patients per physician) would negatively impact the overall health score, signaling potential difficulties in accessing timely and routine medical care.

The availability of primary care extends beyond the raw number of physicians. Factors like appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management) also contribute significantly. Assessing these aspects would involve surveying local practices and gathering patient feedback.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes evaluating the quality of care provided, the patient experience, and the use of innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Metrics to consider include patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), and the implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Practices that prioritize patient education, offer extended hours, or provide culturally sensitive care should be recognized. Furthermore, practices actively involved in community outreach programs or partnerships with local organizations demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall health of the community. The presence of board-certified physicians and the availability of specialized services (e.g., diabetes education, cardiovascular screening) would also positively influence the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care in rural areas. Its adoption within 26671 is a critical factor to consider. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists, receive mental health services, and manage chronic conditions without having to travel long distances.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining the number of local practices offering telehealth services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology platforms used. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow and have demonstrated positive patient outcomes would contribute positively to the overall health score. The availability of reliable internet access, a common challenge in rural areas, is also a crucial consideration.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is a vital aspect of this analysis. Rural communities often face a shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists.

Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the presence of mental health providers within 26671 or nearby, the availability of counseling services, and the accessibility of crisis intervention resources. Partnerships with local schools, community centers, and social service agencies that offer mental health support are also important. The existence of support groups for specific conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) would further enhance the score. The ability to access mental health services via telemedicine would be a significant advantage.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the assessment of these key factors – physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – an overall health score can be assigned to the area encompassing ZIP code 26671. The score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape, providing a valuable snapshot of the community's health status.

The final score will be a composite measure, reflecting the relative importance of each factor. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio could negatively impact the score significantly, while the presence of a practice offering comprehensive telehealth services could partially offset this negative impact.

This analysis is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the health landscape in Gilboa, WV. The information gathered can be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for resources that will enhance the health and well-being of the community.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gilboa and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents alike.