28364, Maxton, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 28364 has some form of health insurance. 48.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.46 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 28364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,605 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28364. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,136 health care providers accessible to residents in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors and Primary Care in Maxton, NC (ZIP Code 28364)**

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Maxton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28364) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, quality of care, access to specialized services, and the integration of technology. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing for informed decisions regarding health management and resource allocation.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**

One of the most critical indicators of a community's health is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the availability of medical professionals relative to the population size. In Maxton, and the surrounding area, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a key concern. Rural areas often experience shortages, leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) are crucial for establishing an accurate benchmark. Analyzing these sources helps determine if the existing primary care capacity is sufficient to meet the needs of the community. Low ratios suggest the need for initiatives to attract and retain physicians.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the cornerstone of a robust healthcare system. PCPs act as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating referrals to specialists. Assessing the number of PCPs, their specialties, and their acceptance of new patients is essential. Furthermore, the distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are they concentrated in one area, or are they spread out to serve the entire community effectively? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics can significantly improve access, particularly for underserved populations.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and accreditations from organizations like the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) provide valuable insights. Practices that prioritize patient satisfaction, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement often emerge as leaders in the field.

Beyond patient satisfaction, the quality of care can be assessed through metrics such as adherence to clinical guidelines, preventative care rates (e.g., vaccinations, screenings), and management of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). Analyzing these metrics, where available, provides a clearer picture of the healthcare outcomes achieved within the community. Practices that consistently demonstrate positive outcomes should be recognized and serve as models for others.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration**

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its ability to bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists and consultations remotely is invaluable. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine within Maxton is critical. Are local practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and patient education?

The level of technological integration extends beyond telemedicine. The use of electronic health records (EHRs), patient portals, and online appointment scheduling systems can significantly improve efficiency and patient convenience. Practices that embrace technology are often better equipped to provide coordinated care and enhance patient engagement. Assessing the availability of these technologies and the extent of their use within local practices is essential.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, and access to mental health services is paramount. The analysis should consider the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Are there sufficient resources to meet the mental health needs of the community?

The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also crucial. Examining the accessibility of these resources, including wait times for appointments and insurance acceptance, provides a comprehensive understanding of the mental health landscape. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can improve coordination of care and reduce barriers to access.

**Specific Considerations for Maxton, NC (28364)**

The specific demographics and socioeconomic factors of Maxton must be considered. The town's population, age distribution, and prevalence of chronic diseases will influence healthcare needs. Addressing the unique challenges faced by the community is crucial.

The socioeconomic status of the population is also a factor. Low-income individuals and families may face additional barriers to healthcare, such as lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and limited access to healthy food options. Healthcare providers and community organizations should be aware of these challenges and work to address them.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

Based on the analysis of these factors, an overall health score can be assigned to the healthcare ecosystem in Maxton. This score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the system and provide a baseline for improvement. Recommendations for improvement might include:

* Recruiting and retaining physicians, particularly PCPs.
* Expanding telemedicine services to improve access to care.
* Increasing the availability of mental health resources.
* Promoting preventative care and chronic disease management.
* Supporting community health initiatives to address social determinants of health.

**Conclusion**

A thorough analysis of the healthcare landscape in Maxton, NC (28364) reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system. This information can be used to develop strategies to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and promote the overall health and well-being of the community. The data can be visualized in a map to provide the overall health score.

**Call to Action**

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