26757, Romney, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26757, Romney, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.39 percent of the residents in 26757 has some form of health insurance. 47.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.44 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 26757 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,614 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26757. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 359 health care providers accessible to residents in 26757, Romney, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Romney, WV (ZIP Code 26757)

This analysis provides an assessment of the overall health landscape in Romney, West Virginia, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. The evaluation considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This holistic approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the community's access to and the overall quality of healthcare within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of any healthy community rests upon the availability of accessible primary care physicians. In Romney (26757), this is a critical area for assessment. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and a potential decline in overall community health outcomes. Data from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) are critical for determining this ratio accurately. These sources offer insights into the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. The analysis will incorporate the latest available data to provide the most current assessment.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the quality and reputation of existing practices are crucial. Within Romney, identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the utilization of modern medical technologies. Patient reviews, gathered from sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, provide a valuable perspective on the patient experience. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrating strong patient-physician relationships and effective treatment outcomes, are considered high-performing. The availability of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs, preventative care initiatives, and on-site laboratory testing, also contribute to a practice's overall quality rating.

The adoption of telemedicine represents another significant factor in evaluating healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas like Romney. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and electronic health records, can significantly improve access to care by reducing geographical barriers and travel time. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, are given a higher score. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine requires examining the availability of these services within local practices and the ease with which patients can access them.

Mental health services form an integral component of overall well-being, and their availability is a critical factor in this assessment. The analysis investigates the presence of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the Romney area. The availability of these resources is measured by the number of providers, their specializations, and the types of services they offer. Furthermore, the analysis considers the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, which can improve access and coordination of care. The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and partnerships with local organizations also contribute to a more comprehensive mental health landscape.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – allows for a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment. The score reflects the overall health of the community, the ease with which residents can access primary care services, and the quality of care they can expect to receive. The score is dynamic, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves, and should be viewed as a snapshot of the current state of healthcare in Romney.

The challenges in providing healthcare in a rural area like Romney are significant. Limited resources, geographic isolation, and the potential for a smaller pool of healthcare professionals can impact the overall health score. However, the presence of dedicated healthcare providers, the willingness to embrace technological advancements, and a commitment to providing comprehensive care can mitigate these challenges.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access and outcomes. Poverty, limited transportation options, and a lack of health insurance can all contribute to health disparities within the community. The assessment will consider initiatives aimed at addressing these social determinants of health, such as programs offering affordable healthcare, transportation assistance, and community outreach efforts. These initiatives can play a crucial role in improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.

The assessment of primary care availability in Romney is not a static exercise. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and evaluation. Changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and shifts in community needs can all impact the overall health score. Regular updates and revisions are essential to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

The final 'Overall Health Score' for Romney will be presented as a composite score, reflecting the combined impact of all the factors considered. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used, the data sources consulted, and the key findings of the analysis. This will provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Romney, allowing residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the system and to identify areas for improvement.

This analysis provides a detailed assessment of healthcare availability in Romney, West Virginia. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of healthcare in the community, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving the health of the community and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Romney and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, physician density, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, offering valuable insights into the geographic distribution of services and the accessibility of care.