26810, Lost City, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26810, Lost City, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.01 percent of the residents in 26810 has some form of health insurance. 36.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.52 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 26810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 97 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26810. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 137 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 164 health care providers accessible to residents in 26810, Lost City, West Virginia.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Lost City, WV (ZIP Code 26810)

Evaluating the overall health score for Lost City, West Virginia, necessitates a deep dive into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within the 26810 ZIP code. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Given the rural nature of the region, these factors are particularly critical in determining the overall health and well-being of the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 26810 requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, due to the small population size and rural location of Lost City, it is highly probable that the ratio is less favorable than the national average. This scarcity of primary care physicians presents a significant challenge to residents seeking timely and consistent healthcare.

Identifying standout practices within the 26810 ZIP code is crucial. These practices, if any, would likely demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer a range of services, and potentially employ innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. Factors to consider include the qualifications and experience of the physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic services, the practice’s patient satisfaction ratings, and its participation in quality improvement programs. Without specific data on practices within the ZIP code, it is difficult to determine the presence of any standout performers. However, the limited number of healthcare providers in a rural area often means that the few available practices are vital to the community's health.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor to consider. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural areas where geographical barriers limit access to care. It can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and access to specialist care that might not be available locally. The degree to which physicians in 26810 have embraced telemedicine is a key indicator of their commitment to expanding access to care and improving patient convenience. This adoption rate can be assessed through surveys of local practices and examination of their online presence, noting if they offer virtual appointments.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. Access to mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, is critical for addressing a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to more severe mental illnesses. In rural communities, where social isolation and limited access to services can exacerbate mental health challenges, the availability of mental health resources is particularly important. Assessing the mental health landscape in 26810 involves identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health clinics. It also includes evaluating the availability of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs. Given the potential for limited resources in a rural area, the community may rely on mobile mental health services or outreach programs from nearby towns.

The overall health score for Lost City, WV, is likely to be negatively impacted by several factors. The low physician-to-patient ratio, if confirmed, points to potential access issues. The lack of readily available data on standout practices suggests a possible absence of highly specialized or innovative care models. The degree to which telemedicine has been adopted and the availability of mental health resources will significantly influence the overall score. If telemedicine adoption is low and mental health services are limited, the overall health score will be further diminished.

To improve the overall health score, several interventions are needed. Efforts to recruit and retain primary care physicians are paramount. This could involve offering financial incentives, creating partnerships with medical schools, and promoting the benefits of practicing medicine in a rural setting. Expanding telemedicine capabilities is another critical step. This requires investing in technology infrastructure, training physicians in the use of telemedicine platforms, and educating patients about the benefits of virtual care. Furthermore, increasing the availability of mental health resources is essential. This could involve establishing mental health clinics, partnering with telehealth providers, and promoting mental health awareness programs.

The overall health score for 26810 is not simply a numerical value. It reflects the lived experiences of the residents of Lost City. It highlights the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and the potential impact on their well-being. The analysis reveals the need for strategic interventions to address the identified shortcomings and improve the health outcomes of the community.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lost City, WV, and to visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the location of physicians, clinics, and other healthcare providers, as well as population density and other relevant demographic data. This can help identify areas where healthcare access is limited and inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery.