26817, Bloomery, West Virginia Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 26817, Bloomery, West Virginia is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.91 percent of the residents in 26817 has some form of health insurance. 64.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.15 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 26817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26817. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 145 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13 health care providers accessible to residents in 26817, Bloomery, West Virginia.

The overall health landscape within ZIP code 26817, encompassing the community of Bloomery, West Virginia, presents a complex picture. Assessing the health of a population requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility of care, the integration of modern technologies, and the availability of support systems for mental and behavioral health. An ‘Overall Health Score’ is a composite metric, and for this analysis, several key areas will be examined, providing a nuanced perspective.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In rural areas like Bloomery, the challenge of attracting and retaining physicians is often pronounced. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential strain on existing medical resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient during consultations, and potentially decreased preventative care. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 26817 is essential, and this information can be gathered from resources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). A low ratio would necessitate initiatives to recruit and retain medical professionals.

The availability of primary care physicians is fundamental. These doctors serve as the entry point into the healthcare system, providing essential preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. The presence of a robust primary care network is vital for the overall health of the community. Assessing the number of primary care practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is crucial. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these practices within the ZIP code impacts accessibility, particularly for residents with limited transportation options.

Standout practices, if any, within 26817 would warrant specific recognition. This might involve identifying practices that have implemented innovative patient care models, such as extended hours, same-day appointments, or a focus on patient education and engagement. Practices that have achieved high patient satisfaction scores, as measured by patient surveys, would also be considered exemplary. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area, promoting best practices and raising the overall quality of care. Information on these would be found through patient reviews and local healthcare organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly significant, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The ability to consult with physicians remotely via video conferencing or telephone calls can improve access to specialists, manage chronic conditions, and provide mental health services. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among providers in 26817 is vital. This includes determining the types of services offered via telemedicine, the insurance coverage for these services, and the ease of use for patients. Practices with strong telemedicine adoption can significantly enhance healthcare access.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for addressing mental health concerns. Assessing the number of mental health providers in 26817, their specialties, and their acceptance of insurance is crucial. Furthermore, the availability of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs can significantly impact the mental well-being of the community. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also important, ensuring integrated care for patients with both physical and mental health needs.

Specific data on the availability of mental health services, including the number of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, is necessary. Information on wait times for appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the availability of telehealth options for mental health services should be included. The presence of local support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs should also be assessed.

The overall health score for 26817, and the primary care availability in Bloomery, is therefore a complex evaluation. It's influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the density of primary care providers, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited primary care access, and inadequate mental health services would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, widespread primary care availability, robust telemedicine adoption, and comprehensive mental health resources would contribute to a higher score.

The overall health score is not a static measurement. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that residents of 26817 have access to the care they need. This includes tracking changes in physician staffing, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of mental health services.

Data-driven insights are crucial for understanding the health of a community. The collection and analysis of data on physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources can inform policy decisions and healthcare initiatives. This data can be used to identify gaps in care, to target resources to areas of greatest need, and to measure the impact of healthcare interventions.

The integration of technology can play a crucial role in improving healthcare access and quality. Telemedicine, electronic health records, and patient portals can enhance communication between patients and providers, streamline administrative processes, and facilitate data sharing. Investing in technology infrastructure and providing training for healthcare providers can help to maximize the benefits of these technologies.

Community engagement is essential for improving the overall health of a community. Engaging residents in the planning and implementation of healthcare initiatives can help to ensure that these initiatives meet the needs of the community. This includes gathering feedback from patients, involving community leaders, and partnering with local organizations.

The assessment of healthcare in 26817 and Bloomery is an ongoing process. Regular reviews, data analysis, and community input are vital to ensure that the health needs of the residents are met. The overall health score is a valuable tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape of 26817, and to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the overall health score, consider utilizing the mapping and data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis. Explore the possibilities and gain a clearer perspective.