06374, Plainfield, Connecticut Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 06374, Plainfield, Connecticut is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.78 percent of the residents in 06374 has some form of health insurance. 38.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.63 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 06374 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,716 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06374. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 650 health care providers accessible to residents in 06374, Plainfield, Connecticut.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Plainfield, CT (ZIP Code 06374)

Plainfield, Connecticut, nestled within the 06374 ZIP code, presents a complex landscape when evaluating its overall health score. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, examining physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources. This information paints a picture of the community's healthcare access and its overall health profile.

One of the most critical indicators of community health is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio can indicate a shortage of primary care physicians, potentially leading to delayed care, longer wait times, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Assessing this ratio within the 06374 ZIP code requires data from state and federal sources, including the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Publicly available data, or data obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, would reveal the number of active primary care physicians (including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practitioners) and the total population residing within the ZIP code. This ratio provides a baseline for understanding the accessibility of primary care services. A ratio significantly higher than the national or state average would raise concerns about potential access limitations.

Beyond simple physician counts, the quality of care and the reputation of local practices are crucial. Identifying standout practices involves researching patient reviews, assessing the qualifications and specializations of physicians, and evaluating the range of services offered. Online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc provide valuable patient feedback, offering insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and overall experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews, a focus on preventative care, and a comprehensive suite of services (including chronic disease management, vaccinations, and wellness programs) would likely score higher in an overall health assessment. Furthermore, practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals might benefit from access to advanced resources and specialized care options.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care, reduce travel time, and enhance convenience for patients. Evaluating telemedicine adoption within the 06374 ZIP code involves assessing which primary care practices offer telehealth appointments, the types of services available via telemedicine (e.g., virtual consultations, medication management, remote monitoring), and the technological infrastructure in place (e.g., secure video platforms, patient portals). Practices that embrace telemedicine, particularly for routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and chronic disease management, are likely to contribute positively to the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall well-being, and their availability is a key factor in evaluating community health. Assessing mental health resources in Plainfield requires investigating the presence of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Identifying the number of mental health providers, their specializations, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is vital. Furthermore, assessing the availability of mental health services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management, is crucial. The presence of community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and support groups also contributes positively to the overall health score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers, facilitating integrated care, is a significant indicator of a strong healthcare ecosystem.

The health score is not solely determined by the availability of medical professionals. Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, safe housing, and transportation, also play a significant role. While this analysis focuses on healthcare access, these broader factors must be considered for a complete understanding of community health. Data on poverty rates, food insecurity, and housing quality within the 06374 ZIP code would provide a more holistic picture.

Analyzing the overall health score requires a comprehensive approach, combining quantitative data (physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates) with qualitative information (patient reviews, practice reputations, mental health resource availability). The final score would reflect the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of healthcare services available within Plainfield, CT. This would involve weighing the different factors. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a primary indicator, weighted heavily. Patient reviews and practice reputations would be considered. The adoption of telemedicine would be a modern indicator. The availability of mental health resources would be weighted heavily.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Plainfield, CT (06374) is a dynamic measure that requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Regular assessments, incorporating updated data and evolving healthcare trends, are essential for identifying areas of strength and weakness and for informing strategies to improve community health. A high score would indicate a well-resourced community with readily available primary care, a commitment to telemedicine, and robust mental health support. Conversely, a lower score would highlight potential challenges in healthcare access and quality, necessitating targeted interventions and resource allocation.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Plainfield, CT (06374) and gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the distribution of health resources, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and visually engaging way to analyze geographic data, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members alike.