28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.98 percent of the residents in 28320 has some form of health insurance. 42.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.73 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 28320 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,985 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28320. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,334 health care providers accessible to residents in 28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28320 & Primary Care Availability in Bladenboro

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28320, which encompasses Bladenboro, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the raw number of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and the availability of specialized resources. This analysis will delve into these factors, providing an 'Overall Health Score' assessment.

The foundation of any health assessment is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Bladenboro, and by extension ZIP code 28320, this metric paints a picture that requires careful interpretation. While precise numbers fluctuate, the area likely faces a challenge. Rural communities often struggle with physician recruitment and retention, leading to a lower ratio compared to more urban settings. This means each primary care physician (PCP) shoulders a larger patient load, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time dedicated to each patient. This lower ratio contributes negatively to the 'Overall Health Score'.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices that have adopted electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and patient engagement. Furthermore, practices offering extended hours or same-day appointments enhance accessibility, a crucial element in rural healthcare. These practices, while possibly few, would contribute positively to the 'Overall Health Score'.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical area to assess. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographic challenges of rural healthcare. It allows patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services remotely. The degree to which practices in 28320 have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score'. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine would be viewed favorably, while those lagging behind would detract from the score.

Mental health resources are often under-resourced in rural areas. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors is crucial. The presence of these specialists, even if limited, is a positive indicator. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care settings is highly beneficial. If PCPs are trained to screen for mental health issues and can easily refer patients to specialists, it improves the 'Overall Health Score'. The lack of these resources, or limited access to them, would negatively impact the overall assessment.

Accessibility to primary care is a key element in the overall health score. This includes not only the physical proximity of clinics but also factors like insurance acceptance, the availability of transportation for patients, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer affordable payment options, and have staff dedicated to helping patients navigate the complexities of healthcare are positively contributing factors. Conversely, challenges in these areas detract from the overall score.

In addition to the direct medical care, it is important to consider public health initiatives in the area. The presence of community health programs, health education campaigns, and initiatives aimed at addressing specific health concerns (such as diabetes or heart disease) can have a significant impact on the overall health of the population. Such programs, and the degree to which they are successful, would add to the overall health score.

The 'Overall Health Score' for doctors in ZIP code 28320 and primary care availability in Bladenboro, therefore, is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. The physician-to-patient ratio, the limited availability of specialists (particularly mental health professionals), and the potential challenges related to accessibility all contribute negatively. However, the presence of practices committed to patient-centered care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the existence of community health programs can mitigate some of these challenges.

To improve the 'Overall Health Score', several strategies are needed. Increasing physician recruitment and retention is paramount. This can involve offering incentives to attract doctors to the area, such as loan forgiveness programs or opportunities for professional development. Expanding telemedicine services, particularly for specialist consultations and mental health services, can improve access to care. Supporting community health initiatives and health education campaigns can also help address specific health concerns.

The overall picture suggests that while Bladenboro and the surrounding area have dedicated healthcare professionals, the community faces significant challenges in ensuring adequate access to quality care. The 'Overall Health Score' reflects this reality. A deeper dive into the specific practices, their services, and their patient outcomes would provide a more nuanced assessment.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28320, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed assessment of the area's healthcare infrastructure.