02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 02746 has some form of health insurance. 72.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.65 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 02746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,951 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,060 health care providers accessible to residents in 02746, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: 02746 & New Bedford Primary Care

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 02746 and the broader context of primary care availability in New Bedford necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into key indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, the prominence of specific medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This will culminate in a comprehensive health score assessment.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on accessible primary care. Within 02746, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This metric, reflecting the number of physicians per a given population, directly impacts access to care. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and managing chronic conditions. Data from reliable sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or local health departments, should be consulted to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within 02746. This figure will serve as a baseline for assessing the overall health score.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of primary care physicians within 02746 is important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Addressing this requires examining the locations of existing practices and considering the demographics of the surrounding neighborhoods. Areas with high concentrations of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with limited transportation options, require special attention.

Identifying standout practices is also crucial. Practices that consistently demonstrate high patient satisfaction scores, positive health outcomes, and a commitment to preventative care contribute significantly to a community's health. These practices may serve as models for others, highlighting best practices in patient care, chronic disease management, and community outreach. Examining patient reviews, conducting site visits, and consulting with local healthcare professionals can help identify these exemplary practices.

The integration of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online health education, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals facing mobility challenges or living in underserved areas. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine within 02746 is essential. This includes evaluating the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the patient experience with these technologies.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall well-being. The availability of mental health services within 02746 and New Bedford directly impacts the health score. This requires examining the number of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, and their distribution within the community. Access to these services, including insurance acceptance and wait times, is also important. Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups or crisis intervention services, can enhance the overall health score.

In the context of New Bedford, the analysis needs to expand to consider the broader primary care landscape. This includes assessing the overall physician-to-patient ratio for the city, considering the availability of primary care practices across different neighborhoods, and evaluating the city's efforts to address health disparities. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other relevant agencies should be consulted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's primary care environment.

The availability of specialty care within New Bedford also impacts the overall health score. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the presence of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, is crucial for comprehensive healthcare. Assessing the availability of specialty care services and the ease with which patients can access them is an important factor.

The socioeconomic factors of the population within 02746 and New Bedford must also be considered. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthy food options can significantly impact health outcomes. Examining these factors and their relationship to primary care access and utilization is essential for a complete health score assessment.

To calculate the overall health score, the various factors discussed above need to be weighted and combined. The physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources should all be given appropriate weight. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor in contributing to overall health and well-being.

Based on the weighted scores, a final overall health score can be determined. This score can be presented as a numerical value or a qualitative rating, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor." The score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the factors considered.

The analysis should also include recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include strategies to increase the number of primary care physicians in the area, improve the geographic distribution of practices, expand telemedicine adoption, and increase access to mental health resources. The recommendations should be specific, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of 02746 and New Bedford.

Finally, the overall health score assessment should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This could include tracking changes in the physician-to-patient ratio, monitoring the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluating the impact of new health initiatives. Regular updates will ensure that the health score remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing and improving the health of the community.

To visualize and further understand the complex health landscape within 02746 and New Bedford, consider utilizing interactive mapping tools. These tools can provide a clear and concise overview of physician locations, demographics, and other relevant data points.