27973, Shawboro, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 27973, Shawboro, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.36 percent of the residents in 27973 has some form of health insurance. 28.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.44 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 27973 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 202 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27973. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 240 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 214 health care providers accessible to residents in 27973, Shawboro, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Shawboro, NC (ZIP Code 27973)

Evaluating the overall health landscape in Shawboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 27973) requires a multifaceted approach. We must examine the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an overall health score, providing a snapshot of the community's well-being and identifying areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of any healthy community lies in accessible primary care. In Shawboro, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available information from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Department of Health & Human Services can offer estimates. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, often signals potential access challenges. Residents might face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying preventative care and exacerbating existing health issues. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater ease of access to primary care services. This initial assessment sets the stage for a deeper dive into the specific practices serving the community.

Identifying standout practices within Shawboro is essential. This involves evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. We must consider the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the breadth of services offered. Does the practice offer comprehensive care, including preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and same-day appointments? Are they accepting new patients? Online reviews, patient testimonials, and data from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) can provide valuable insights into a practice's reputation and the quality of care it delivers. Practices with a strong track record of patient satisfaction and a commitment to comprehensive care significantly contribute to a higher overall health score for the community.

The modern healthcare landscape is increasingly shaped by technology, particularly telemedicine. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Shawboro is a critical factor. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits, including increased access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. It can also facilitate remote monitoring of chronic conditions and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms, offering virtual consultations, and providing remote patient monitoring tools demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive healthcare management, positively impacting the overall health score. The extent of telemedicine integration is a key indicator of a practice's forward-thinking approach.

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, and the accessibility of mental health resources significantly impacts a community's health score. Shawboro's evaluation must include an assessment of the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Are these professionals readily accessible to residents? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, allowing patients to receive mental health support within the same practice? The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers all contribute to a more robust and supportive mental health ecosystem, thereby enhancing the overall health score.

Beyond the direct provision of healthcare services, the broader community environment also plays a role. Factors such as access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and the overall socioeconomic status of the community indirectly impact health outcomes. While this analysis primarily focuses on healthcare providers, it's important to acknowledge the interconnectedness of health with other aspects of community life. A holistic approach to improving health requires addressing both healthcare access and the underlying social determinants of health.

To calculate an overall health score, a weighted system can be employed. Each of the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weight reflecting its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. The practices' performance on each factor would then be assessed, and a score assigned. These individual scores would be combined, using the assigned weights, to generate an overall health score for Shawboro (ZIP code 27973). This score would provide a quantifiable measure of the community's health landscape.

The resulting overall health score would not only provide a snapshot of the current situation but also highlight areas for improvement. A low score in any area, such as mental health resources or telemedicine adoption, would indicate a need for targeted interventions. This could involve initiatives to recruit more mental health professionals, encourage primary care practices to adopt telemedicine platforms, or improve access to transportation for patients needing to reach healthcare facilities. Regular reassessment of the overall health score would allow for tracking progress and making adjustments to community health strategies.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of Shawboro (ZIP code 27973) is a complex undertaking that requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, quality, and integration with other essential services. By carefully considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, we can gain a clear understanding of the community's health landscape. This understanding is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance the well-being of all residents.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and a visual representation of the health landscape in Shawboro and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that can help you visualize data, identify trends, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and availability.