27844, Hollister, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27844, Hollister, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.86 percent of the residents in 27844 has some form of health insurance. 57.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.39 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 27844 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 622 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27844. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 674 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 914 health care providers accessible to residents in 27844, Hollister, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Hollister, NC (ZIP Code 27844)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within the Hollister, NC (ZIP Code 27844) area requires a multi-faceted approach, evaluating physician availability, the quality of care, and the accessibility of crucial healthcare services. This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, considering various factors to paint a comprehensive picture of the community's health resources.

The cornerstone of any health assessment is the availability of primary care physicians. In Hollister, this translates to understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, compromised preventative care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires access to up-to-date, granular data, ideally sourced from state medical boards and population estimates. Without this precise figure, we can only estimate based on publicly available data and anecdotal evidence. However, the rural nature of Hollister suggests a potential challenge in this area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Assessing this involves looking at factors such as the accreditation of local practices, the types of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and patient satisfaction levels. Online reviews, though often subjective, can offer insights into patient experiences. Hospitals and larger medical groups in the surrounding areas might offer a higher level of specialization and resources.

Identifying standout practices within the 27844 ZIP code is crucial. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care, providing a model for others to emulate. Assessing their performance involves looking at their patient outcomes, their adoption of innovative technologies, and their commitment to community health initiatives. Do they offer extended hours? Do they participate in community outreach programs? This kind of information can be gleaned from practice websites, local health department reports, and community feedback.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the overall health score. In rural areas like Hollister, where geographical barriers can limit access to care, telemedicine offers a vital lifeline. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to score higher in the overall health assessment. This includes the availability of telehealth appointments for both routine checkups and specialized consultations.

Mental health resources are also critical. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, significantly impacts the overall health score. Access to mental health services is often a challenge in rural areas. Assessing the presence of mental health providers, the availability of support groups, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices are all essential components of this analysis. The presence of any mental health clinics or support groups in the area can significantly improve the score.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, impacts the overall health score. While Hollister may not have these specialists directly within the ZIP code, the proximity to larger medical centers in nearby towns and cities is essential. The ease of access to these specialized services, including transportation options, can significantly impact the health outcomes of residents.

The presence of pharmacies and access to prescription medications are also crucial. Convenient access to pharmacies, both independent and chain pharmacies, ensures that patients can easily obtain their medications. The availability of medication assistance programs for low-income individuals is also a factor to consider.

Public health initiatives and community programs play a vital role in improving the overall health score. These initiatives can include health education programs, disease prevention campaigns, and community health screenings. The presence of a local health department that actively engages in community outreach is a positive indicator.

The overall health score for Hollister, NC (ZIP Code 27844) is therefore a complex metric. It is affected by the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and access to specialized care. While it's difficult to provide a precise numerical score without access to all necessary data, the analysis reveals that the community likely faces challenges related to physician access, particularly in a rural area. Telemedicine and community outreach programs can help mitigate some of these challenges.

To further explore the health landscape of Hollister, NC (ZIP Code 27844) and gain a more visual understanding of healthcare access, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to visualize physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points.