27231, Cedar Grove, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27231, Cedar Grove, North Carolina is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.85 percent of the residents in 27231 has some form of health insurance. 42.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.01 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 27231 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 435 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27231. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 615 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,511 health care providers accessible to residents in 27231, Cedar Grove, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Cedar Grove, NC (ZIP Code 27231)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Cedar Grove, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27231) area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access and quality within this specific geographic region.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Assessing primary care availability begins with understanding the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and its surrounding areas. Data from various sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board and publicly available databases, needs to be aggregated to determine the total number of general practitioners, family medicine doctors, and internal medicine specialists serving the community. This raw number is then compared to the population of Cedar Grove (27231). The resulting physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric.

A favorable ratio indicates a greater likelihood of timely appointments and reduced wait times. Conversely, a less favorable ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing primary care, possibly leading to delayed diagnoses, preventative care neglect, and increased reliance on emergency room services. The national average physician-to-patient ratio serves as a benchmark for comparison. If the ratio in 27231 falls below the national average, it signals a potential shortage of primary care physicians, requiring further investigation into the underlying causes.

The analysis must also consider the geographic distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in specific areas within the ZIP code, or are they evenly distributed, ensuring accessibility for all residents? This requires mapping the locations of primary care practices and analyzing their proximity to residential areas. Transportation challenges, particularly for elderly or low-income residents, can further exacerbate access issues. Public transportation options and the availability of patient transportation services should be considered.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Patient reviews and satisfaction scores, available through online platforms and surveys, provide valuable insights into the patient experience. These reviews can highlight practices known for their compassionate care, efficient operations, and positive patient outcomes.

Accreditation status is another crucial indicator of quality. Practices accredited by organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission often demonstrate a commitment to meeting high standards of care. The analysis should identify any accredited practices within 27231 and assess their specific areas of expertise.

Furthermore, examining the range of services offered by each practice is essential. Do they provide comprehensive primary care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and mental health services? The availability of specialized services, such as on-site laboratory testing or imaging, can enhance convenience and improve patient outcomes. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers is also a key factor in assessing quality. EHRs facilitate the secure exchange of patient information, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Cedar Grove. The analysis must assess the extent to which primary care practices in 27231 offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals.

Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who face transportation challenges, have mobility limitations, or live in remote areas. It can also facilitate timely consultations with specialists and reduce the burden on primary care physicians.

The analysis should consider the types of telemedicine services offered. Are practices using video conferencing for virtual appointments? Do they offer remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension? Are they providing access to online patient portals for secure communication and access to medical records?

The success of telemedicine adoption depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient and provider comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow. The analysis should identify any barriers to telemedicine adoption and assess the strategies practices are using to overcome these challenges.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health resources in Cedar Grove and their integration with primary care services. This includes identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors serving the community.

The analysis should assess the availability of mental health services within primary care practices. Do they offer on-site mental health screenings and counseling? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? The integration of mental health services into primary care can improve access to care, reduce stigma, and facilitate early intervention.

The analysis should also consider the availability of community-based mental health resources, such as support groups, crisis hotlines, and mental health advocacy organizations. The level of collaboration between primary care practices and these community resources is an important factor in assessing the overall mental health landscape.

**Overall Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, an overall health score can be assigned to Cedar Grove (27231). This score should reflect the availability and quality of primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

The final score should be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology used and the rationale behind the assessment. The analysis should also identify any areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine services, or increasing access to mental health care.

**Actionable Insights with CartoChrome Maps:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cedar Grove and visualize the data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow you to visualize geographic data, such as the locations of healthcare providers, population density, and socioeconomic factors, in an interactive and user-friendly format. This can help you identify areas with limited access to care, understand the distribution of healthcare resources, and make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.

**Explore the healthcare landscape of Cedar Grove, NC, with CartoChrome maps and gain valuable insights into the health and well-being of your community.**