27551, Macon, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27551, Macon, North Carolina is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 27551 has some form of health insurance. 47.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.11 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 27551 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 252 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27551. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 589 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 53 health care providers accessible to residents in 27551, Macon, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27551 & Macon Primary Care

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the medical landscape within ZIP code 27551 (likely referring to the town of Louisburg, North Carolina) and the broader context of primary care availability in Macon County, North Carolina. The evaluation incorporates key factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach aims to paint a clear picture of healthcare access and quality within these specific geographic areas.

Evaluating healthcare access begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural setting like Louisburg and Macon County, this metric is particularly crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and potential challenges in maintaining continuity of care. Data from reliable sources such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the County's health department would be critical to determine the exact ratio within 27551 and Macon County. National averages should be used as a comparative benchmark. A ratio significantly below the national average would warrant concern and highlight the need for initiatives to attract and retain medical professionals.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is significantly impacted by the presence of standout practices. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches to treatment, and a commitment to community health. Identifying such practices requires a review of patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., from the Joint Commission), and participation in quality improvement programs. For 27551, this could involve analyzing the performance of the local hospital, Franklin Regional Medical Center, and any affiliated primary care clinics. In Macon County, the assessment would extend to all clinics and hospitals within the county, considering factors like the availability of specialized services, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall patient experience.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in assessing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, providing patients with access to specialists and routine care without requiring travel. The level of telemedicine adoption within 27551 and Macon County would be evaluated by determining the availability of telehealth services offered by local practices and hospitals. This includes assessing the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of access for patients (e.g., availability of online scheduling, technical support), and the overall patient satisfaction with telehealth experiences. Practices actively embracing telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score in this area.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health, and their availability is a key indicator of community well-being. The assessment of mental health resources in 27551 and Macon County would involve evaluating the presence of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. This includes assessing the availability of mental health clinics, the range of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services for residents. This would also consider the presence of support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships with local organizations. The score would reflect the comprehensiveness of the mental health resources available and the ease with which residents can access them.

The presence of community health initiatives and outreach programs also contributes to the overall health score. These programs can address specific health needs within the community, such as chronic disease management, preventative care, and health education. Evaluating the extent of these initiatives would involve reviewing the programs offered by local health departments, hospitals, and community organizations. This includes assessing the target populations, the types of services provided, and the effectiveness of the programs in improving health outcomes. Initiatives focused on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity would be given higher consideration.

To synthesize the various factors, a scoring system would be employed. Each category (physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community health initiatives) would be assigned a weighted score based on its relative importance. The scores would be aggregated to produce an overall health score for 27551 and primary care availability in Macon County. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within 27551 and Macon County. Factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access and health outcomes. This contextual information would be used to interpret the health score and identify potential disparities. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might be exacerbated by a high percentage of residents with limited transportation options.

The assessment would also include a comparative analysis, comparing the health scores of 27551 and Macon County to state and national averages. This comparison would provide a broader context for understanding the healthcare landscape and identifying areas where improvements are needed. This comparative approach would help to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system relative to other areas.

The final report would provide actionable recommendations for improving healthcare access and quality within 27551 and Macon County. These recommendations would be based on the findings of the analysis and would be tailored to the specific needs of the community. This could include recommendations for attracting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing mental health resources, and implementing community health initiatives.

For a visual representation of these health data and to gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of 27551 and Macon County, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful way to visualize physician density, access to care, and other relevant health indicators.