28405, Wilmington, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.12 percent of the residents in 28405 has some form of health insurance. 35.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.99 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 28405 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28405. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,723 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28405)

Analyzing the overall health landscape for residents of Wilmington, North Carolina, specifically within the 28405 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within this specific geographic area.

One of the fundamental indicators of community health is the availability of primary care physicians. Assessing this involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care. In the 28405 ZIP code, this ratio must be meticulously researched. Local and state health department data, along with information from the American Medical Association (AMA), are crucial sources. The ideal scenario is a ratio that aligns with or surpasses national averages, ensuring residents can readily secure appointments for routine checkups, preventative care, and management of chronic conditions. Deficiencies in this area can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality and reputation of medical practices significantly influence the overall health score. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. This includes assessing patient satisfaction through online reviews and surveys, examining the scope of services offered (e.g., specialized clinics, on-site labs), and reviewing accreditations from reputable organizations like the Joint Commission. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, employ cutting-edge technology, and demonstrate a commitment to community outreach contribute positively to the health score. Conversely, practices facing frequent complaints or lacking modern amenities might detract from the overall assessment.

The digital age has profoundly impacted healthcare delivery, with telemedicine playing an increasingly important role. Evaluating telemedicine adoption within the 28405 ZIP code is critical. This involves determining which primary care providers offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and online patient portals. Widespread telemedicine adoption can improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those seeking convenient follow-up appointments. The ability to access healthcare remotely can significantly enhance the overall health score. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine options can hinder access and negatively impact the score.

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within the 28405 ZIP code is essential. This involves identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors practicing in the area. Examining the availability of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also crucial. The presence of robust mental health resources can significantly boost the overall health score. Conversely, a shortage of mental health professionals or limited access to mental health services can severely impact the score, potentially leading to untreated mental illnesses and adverse health outcomes.

To obtain a comprehensive "Overall Health Score," all these factors must be carefully considered and weighted. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources all contribute to the final score. Each element's impact on the score depends on its relative importance and the specific needs of the community. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio could be offset by a high adoption rate of telemedicine, improving access to care.

The specific data points for the 28405 ZIP code must be meticulously gathered and analyzed. This would involve surveying local healthcare providers, reviewing public health records, and consulting with community organizations. The data should be regularly updated to reflect any changes in the healthcare landscape. The final "Overall Health Score" would be a numerical representation of the overall health of the community. This score should be interpreted in conjunction with supporting data, providing a clear picture of the health status of the residents.

The analysis should identify areas of strength and weakness. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low but telemedicine adoption is high, the score might be moderate, reflecting a balance between access and convenience. If the mental health resources are scarce, the score will likely be negatively impacted, even if other areas are strong. The analysis must also consider socioeconomic factors, such as income levels and access to insurance, as these can significantly influence health outcomes.

The "Overall Health Score" is not just a number; it's a tool for informing decision-making. The information can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the health of the community. This could involve recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing mental health resources, or promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

The success of any health initiative depends on accurate and accessible data. Visualizing this data can provide valuable insights. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the health landscape. Using CartoChrome maps, you can overlay the "Overall Health Score" with other relevant data, such as population density, income levels, and the locations of healthcare facilities. This visualization can help identify health disparities and target interventions effectively.