26726, Keyser, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26726, Keyser, West Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.26 percent of the residents in 26726 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.21 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 26726 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,466 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26726. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,607 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 446 health care providers accessible to residents in 26726, Keyser, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Keyser, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26726)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Keyser, West Virginia, necessitates a comprehensive examination of available healthcare resources, specifically focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and the broader health landscape within ZIP code 26726. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, identifies standout practices, evaluates telemedicine adoption, and considers the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the health ecosystem, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access and potential areas for improvement.

One of the most crucial metrics in evaluating healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, often translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. While precise, up-to-the-minute data on the physician-to-patient ratio for Keyser specifically is not always readily available, data from surrounding areas and West Virginia as a whole provide a useful benchmark. West Virginia consistently faces challenges in physician recruitment and retention, often resulting in ratios that are less favorable than the national average. This suggests that residents of Keyser may experience some degree of difficulty in securing timely appointments with PCPs.

Identifying standout practices within the community is essential. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care and can provide valuable insights into best practices. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, demonstrate strong patient satisfaction scores, and actively participate in community health initiatives deserve recognition. Reviewing online patient testimonials, assessing accreditation status, and evaluating the range of services offered are all important steps in identifying these exemplary practices. Further investigation may reveal practices that excel in chronic disease management, preventative care, or specialized services, making them valuable resources for the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing the overall health score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents of rural areas like Keyser. It can reduce the need for travel, making it easier for patients to connect with their physicians, especially those with mobility issues or transportation limitations. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, can significantly enhance the convenience and accessibility of healthcare. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, is a key component of this analysis.

Mental health resources are an indispensable aspect of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is crucial for addressing the mental well-being of the community. Access to these resources can significantly impact the overall health score, as mental health challenges often intersect with physical health. Assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the availability of crisis intervention services are essential. Furthermore, examining the level of integration between primary care and mental health services is vital, as this integration can improve care coordination and ensure that patients receive comprehensive support.

Beyond these specific factors, other considerations contribute to the overall health score. These include the presence of hospitals and urgent care facilities, the availability of specialized medical services, and the prevalence of chronic diseases within the community. Data on these factors, combined with the information gathered on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, paints a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape in Keyser.

The analysis of primary care availability in Keyser must also consider the broader context of the healthcare system. The impact of insurance coverage, socioeconomic factors, and health disparities can influence the overall health score. Areas with higher rates of uninsured or underinsured residents may experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to care. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and education levels, can also impact health outcomes. Addressing these broader systemic issues is essential for improving the overall health of the community.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score for residents of Keyser, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates careful consideration of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the assessment of telemedicine adoption, and a thorough examination of mental health resources. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Keyser and identify areas where improvements are needed. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of healthcare access and quality in the community.

For a more detailed, interactive, and visually compelling analysis of healthcare resources in Keyser and the surrounding areas, including geographic visualizations of physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing complex healthcare data, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents alike.