02571, Wareham, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 02571, Wareham, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.58 percent of the residents in 02571 has some form of health insurance. 51.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.19 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 02571 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,599 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02571. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 607 health care providers accessible to residents in 02571, Wareham, Massachusetts.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Wareham, MA (ZIP Code 02571)

Wareham, Massachusetts, nestled on the scenic coast of Buzzards Bay, presents a unique healthcare landscape. This analysis will delve into the overall health score for residents, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 02571. We'll examine various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the prominence of specific practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources.

The foundation of a strong healthcare system lies in the availability of primary care physicians. In Wareham, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors for the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in addressing health concerns. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau, alongside private healthcare databases, are essential to accurately calculate this ratio. The analysis must consider the total population within the 02571 ZIP code and the number of actively practicing primary care physicians (including internal medicine, family medicine, and general practitioners) accepting new patients. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per doctor, generally suggests better access to care.

Several primary care practices operate within or near Wareham, each contributing to the overall health score. Evaluating these practices involves considering several factors. The quality of care is paramount, and this can be assessed through publicly available data like patient satisfaction surveys, such as those from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals can offer insights into patient experiences, though these should be considered alongside other data points. The practice's accreditation status, such as those from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), also provides an indication of quality standards. Practices with a strong track record of preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient communication typically contribute positively to the overall health score.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically underserved areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices in Wareham offer telemedicine services. This includes the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring technologies, and the integration of patient portals for communication and access to medical records. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve the overall health score by increasing access and convenience for patients.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is crucial. The analysis should assess the accessibility of mental health services within Wareham and the surrounding area. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of mental health support groups, community mental health centers, and crisis intervention services is also important. A strong network of mental health resources can significantly improve the overall health score by providing timely and accessible care for individuals struggling with mental health issues. The coordination between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also a key factor, as integrated care models often lead to better outcomes.

Beyond the availability of services, the analysis must consider health disparities. Wareham, like many communities, may experience disparities in health outcomes based on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and other factors. The analysis should investigate whether these disparities exist within the 02571 ZIP code and assess whether primary care practices are actively working to address them. This may involve offering culturally competent care, providing language assistance services, and implementing outreach programs to reach underserved populations. Addressing health disparities is essential for improving the overall health score and ensuring equitable access to care for all residents.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the integration of social determinants of health. These factors, such as housing, food security, transportation, and education, significantly impact health outcomes. Primary care practices that actively address these social determinants of health, through partnerships with community organizations or by providing resources and referrals, can contribute positively to the overall health score. This holistic approach to healthcare recognizes that health is not solely determined by medical care but is also influenced by the environment and social circumstances in which people live.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Wareham (ZIP code 02571) is a complex metric influenced by a variety of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of health disparities all play a significant role. A thorough analysis of these factors, using data from various sources and considering the unique characteristics of the community, is necessary to provide a comprehensive assessment of the health landscape.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Wareham and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the overall health score, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to explore the distribution of healthcare providers, access demographic data, and analyze health indicators, providing valuable insights into the health of the community.