27851, Lucama, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27851, Lucama, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.38 percent of the residents in 27851 has some form of health insurance. 41.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.79 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 27851 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,123 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27851. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 827 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,279 health care providers accessible to residents in 27851, Lucama, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Lucama, NC (ZIP Code 27851)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Lucama, North Carolina (ZIP code 27851) requires a multifaceted approach. We must examine the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' for the community, offering insights into its strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Lucama, the density of these crucial healthcare providers is a key factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential strain on the system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hindering preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more proactive health management. Specific data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 27851 is crucial. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) or the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined with information on the number of practicing primary care physicians, will provide the necessary metric.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Identifying standout practices within the Lucama area is essential. These practices might be recognized for their patient satisfaction scores, their commitment to preventative care, or their specialized services. Factors to consider include the availability of same-day appointments, extended office hours, and the range of services offered, such as on-site lab work or chronic disease management programs. Reviewing patient testimonials, online ratings, and accreditations (e.g., from the National Committee for Quality Assurance) can help identify these exemplary providers.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element of the overall health score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer greater convenience and flexibility to their patients. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration in Lucama involves determining the number of practices offering virtual appointments, the types of services provided remotely, and the patient utilization rates of these technologies.

Mental health resources are a vital component of a healthy community. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, directly impacts the well-being of residents. Evaluating the mental health landscape involves assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, sliding scale fees). Furthermore, the presence of community mental health programs, support groups, and crisis intervention services contributes to a more robust mental health infrastructure.

The overall health score is not simply a summation of these individual factors; it's an integrated assessment. A community with a high physician-to-patient ratio but limited telemedicine adoption might score lower than a community with a slightly lower ratio but robust telemedicine capabilities. Similarly, the presence of excellent primary care providers is diminished if mental health resources are scarce. The interplay between these factors creates a complex picture of community health.

Specific data is needed to accurately calculate the overall health score. Without access to real-time information on physician counts, patient demographics, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability, any score would be speculative. However, we can outline the general methodology. A weighted scoring system could be employed, assigning different weights to each factor based on its perceived importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of a specific type of therapy.

The final score would then be categorized, perhaps using a scale from "Poor" to "Excellent," to provide a clear and concise representation of the overall health landscape in Lucama. The analysis should also identify areas for improvement, highlighting specific needs and opportunities for enhancing healthcare access and quality. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or bolstering mental health resources.

The analysis also needs to consider socioeconomic factors. Income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation can significantly impact health outcomes. Low-income communities may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach that considers the social determinants of health.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for Lucama (ZIP code 27851) requires a detailed examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The analysis should be data-driven, considering socioeconomic factors and identifying areas for improvement.

Want to visualize the health landscape of Lucama and other communities in North Carolina? Explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps. Discover how geographic information can reveal critical insights into healthcare access, resource distribution, and community health outcomes.