27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.96 percent of the residents in 27310 has some form of health insurance. 18.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 88.79 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 27310 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,442 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27310. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,155 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,659 health care providers accessible to residents in 27310, Oak Ridge, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Oak Ridge, NC (ZIP Code 27310)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Oak Ridge, NC (ZIP Code 27310) area, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. We will examine various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The goal is to understand the current state of healthcare access and identify potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. This is the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention, and it plays a crucial role in preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall well-being. In Oak Ridge, assessing the availability and quality of this care is paramount.

One of the key indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of physicians available to serve a specific population. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care, while a lower ratio may suggest potential challenges, such as longer wait times for appointments and increased patient loads for existing physicians. Accurate data on this ratio requires ongoing monitoring and data collection from various sources, including state medical boards and healthcare provider databases. Analyzing this ratio specifically for primary care physicians within the 27310 ZIP code is essential.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the community is also important. Are primary care physicians concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Examining the geographic distribution of practices helps identify potential healthcare deserts and areas where additional resources may be needed. This requires mapping the locations of primary care practices within the ZIP code and assessing the population density in each area.

Identifying standout practices within Oak Ridge is also critical. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative service delivery, and a commitment to community health. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the provision of comprehensive services. Researching patient reviews, surveying community members, and examining practice websites can help identify these exemplary practices.

The adoption of telemedicine has significantly impacted healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing convenience. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Oak Ridge is crucial. This involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital health tools. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care for residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and access to mental health resources is vital for a healthy community. This analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the 27310 ZIP code, including the presence of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. It will also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Ideally, primary care physicians should be able to screen for mental health conditions and refer patients to appropriate specialists.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups, community mental health centers, and other mental health resources will be evaluated. Examining partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can highlight collaborative efforts to improve patient care. This involves researching local mental health organizations, reviewing community resources, and assessing the accessibility of mental health services for residents of Oak Ridge.

The quality of healthcare services is another important consideration. This includes factors such as the qualifications of physicians, the availability of specialized services, and the use of evidence-based practices. Assessing the quality of care requires examining the credentials of physicians, reviewing practice accreditation, and evaluating the adoption of clinical guidelines.

The affordability of healthcare is also a significant factor. This analysis will consider the acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care practices in Oak Ridge and the availability of financial assistance programs for patients. Healthcare costs can be a barrier to access, and understanding the financial burden on residents is essential.

The overall health score for Oak Ridge, NC (ZIP Code 27310) will be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. This score will provide a snapshot of the current state of healthcare access and quality in the community. The score will be based on a weighted average of the different factors, with each factor assigned a weight based on its relative importance.

The analysis will conclude with recommendations for improvement. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, and promoting community health initiatives. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve healthcare access and quality for residents of Oak Ridge.

The data used for this analysis will be obtained from a variety of sources, including public health agencies, healthcare provider databases, and community organizations. The data will be carefully validated to ensure accuracy and reliability. The analysis will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

This assessment provides a starting point for understanding the health landscape of Oak Ridge. By examining the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and assessing mental health resources, a comprehensive picture of the community's healthcare access and quality is revealed. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, allocate resources effectively, and improve the overall health and well-being of the residents.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Oak Ridge and visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to visit CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform allows you to explore physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a deeper understanding of healthcare access in your community.