27594, Wise, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27594, Wise, North Carolina is 0 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 27594 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 27594 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27594. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 104 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 271 health care providers accessible to residents in 27594, Wise, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27594 & Wise, VA

Analyzing healthcare access and quality requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment for two distinct areas: doctors practicing within ZIP code 27594 and the availability of primary care services in Wise, Virginia. This score is not a single number but a composite evaluation considering various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each area presents unique challenges and opportunities, shaping the overall health landscape for residents.

**ZIP Code 27594: A Detailed Examination**

Evaluating the healthcare environment in ZIP code 27594 necessitates a granular look at the physician landscape. The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric directly impacts access to care. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or treatments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state medical boards provides a foundation for this analysis. However, these figures require careful interpretation, as they often represent broad averages and don't account for physician specialization or patient demographics.

Identifying standout practices within 27594 is crucial. This involves looking beyond basic physician counts and examining factors like patient satisfaction scores, the breadth of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices with a strong track record of patient care, a commitment to preventative medicine, and a focus on patient education are likely to contribute significantly to a higher overall health score. Reviewing online patient testimonials, consulting with local healthcare advocacy groups, and analyzing data on chronic disease management can help identify these exemplary practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The rise of telehealth has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for those in rural or underserved areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and online patient portals are likely to receive a higher score. Telemedicine can help bridge geographical barriers, reduce transportation costs, and provide convenient access to care for patients with mobility issues or busy schedules. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires researching individual practice websites, analyzing insurance coverage for telehealth services, and reviewing data on patient utilization of virtual care options.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of overall health. Assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists practicing within 27594 is essential. Equally important is the integration of mental health services within primary care settings. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or have strong referral networks to mental health specialists, contribute positively to the overall health score. Analyzing the availability of mental health support groups, crisis intervention services, and substance abuse treatment programs provides a more comprehensive picture of the mental health landscape.

**Primary Care Availability in Wise, Virginia: A Rural Perspective**

Evaluating primary care availability in Wise, Virginia, requires a different lens, as rural communities often face unique challenges. Physician shortages are a common issue in rural areas, making the physician-to-patient ratio a particularly critical metric. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Virginia Department of Health provides insights into the number of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants serving the Wise community. This data needs to be interpreted within the context of the geographical area and the specific needs of the population.

Standout practices in Wise might be those that have successfully adapted to the challenges of rural healthcare. This could include practices that offer extended hours, provide transportation assistance to patients, or have established strong partnerships with community organizations. Examining the patient demographics and the specific healthcare needs of the community helps identify practices that are effectively addressing the needs of the population.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in Wise, as it can help overcome geographical barriers. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach to patients in remote areas, provide specialized care that may not be available locally, and improve access to chronic disease management programs. Evaluating the availability of broadband internet access and the digital literacy of the population is also important for assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are often limited in rural areas. Assessing the number of mental health professionals, the availability of crisis intervention services, and the presence of substance abuse treatment programs is crucial. Identifying practices that are actively working to address mental health needs, through integrated care models or partnerships with community mental health organizations, is particularly important.

**Overall Health Score Synthesis**

The 'Overall Health Score' for both areas is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It is influenced by the interplay of the factors discussed above. A higher score reflects a healthcare environment characterized by good physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score indicates challenges in these areas, potentially leading to reduced access to care and poorer health outcomes.

The specific score for each area would be derived from a weighted analysis of the factors discussed. The weighting would reflect the relative importance of each factor in contributing to overall health. For example, physician-to-patient ratios might be given a higher weight in areas with known physician shortages. The final score would be a valuable tool for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members, providing a snapshot of the current health landscape and highlighting areas for improvement.

**Actionable Insights & CartoChrome Maps**

Understanding the healthcare environment in specific areas requires detailed data visualization. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into easily understandable visual representations. These maps allow for the spatial analysis of physician density, the location of healthcare facilities, the distribution of mental health resources, and the geographic reach of telemedicine services. They can also be used to identify underserved areas, analyze health disparities, and support targeted interventions.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27594 and Wise, Virginia, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. They offer a unique perspective on healthcare access and quality, empowering you to make informed decisions and advocate for improved health outcomes.