27356, Star, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27356, Star, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.46 percent of the residents in 27356 has some form of health insurance. 52.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.31 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 27356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 990 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27356. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 375 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 635 health care providers accessible to residents in 27356, Star, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27356 & Primary Care in Star

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 27356, encompassing the town of Star, requires a multifaceted assessment. This analysis delves into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' that reflects the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is readily available primary care. In Star, North Carolina (ZIP code 27356), the density of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio necessitates data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more robust healthcare infrastructure. The analysis will need to quantify this ratio to provide a baseline understanding of the community's primary care capacity.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores (gathered from sources like Healthgrades or Vitals), the range of services offered (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized services), and the adoption of technology to enhance patient care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize electronic health records effectively, and offer extended hours or weekend appointments are likely to score higher. Furthermore, assessing the credentials and specializations of the physicians within these practices is crucial. Are they board-certified? Do they have experience in specific areas relevant to the community's health needs?

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant force in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Star. Its adoption rate within ZIP code 27356 directly impacts access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The analysis must investigate the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists offer telemedicine services. This includes assessing the types of services available via telemedicine (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs), the ease of access to these services (e.g., the availability of online scheduling and technical support), and the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within and near ZIP code 27356. This includes identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing in the area. It also involves assessing the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services. The analysis must consider the affordability of mental health services, including whether practices accept a range of insurance plans and offer sliding-scale fees for those with limited financial resources. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is also a key indicator of a well-integrated healthcare system.

The 'Overall Health Score' for ZIP code 27356 will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, as it directly impacts access to care. The quality of primary care practices, as measured by patient satisfaction and service offerings, will contribute substantially. Telemedicine adoption will be weighted to reflect its importance in a rural setting. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources will also be a critical factor. The final score will provide a snapshot of the community's health infrastructure, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

To provide a more granular understanding, the analysis will also consider demographic data for ZIP code 27356. This includes the age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and socioeconomic factors that can influence health outcomes. This contextual information will help to interpret the 'Overall Health Score' and identify specific areas where interventions or improvements are most needed. For instance, if the community has a large elderly population, the availability of geriatric specialists and home healthcare services will be particularly important.

The 'Overall Health Score' is not just a numerical value; it is a tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying opportunities for improvement. It can be used by healthcare providers to assess their performance, by policymakers to allocate resources effectively, and by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the key findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in ZIP code 27356. Recommendations for improvement will be provided, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources. This holistic approach ensures that the community's healthcare needs are met.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient populations, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps offers a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in healthcare access within ZIP code 27356 and beyond. **Visit CartoChrome maps today and unlock the power of data-driven healthcare insights.**