28411, Wilmington, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28411, Wilmington, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.04 percent of the residents in 28411 has some form of health insurance. 27.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.00 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 28411 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,637 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28411. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,615 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,977 health care providers accessible to residents in 28411, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Wilmington (28411) Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 28411 in Wilmington, North Carolina, necessitates a multifaceted assessment of primary care availability and the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis will delve into key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of primary care within this specific geographic area.

The cornerstone of any health score assessment is the accessibility of primary care physicians. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential challenges in managing chronic conditions. Data analysis, ideally sourced from reputable databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) and state medical boards, is crucial for establishing an accurate ratio for 28411. This data must be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability due to retirements, relocations, or the influx of new practitioners. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services could offer insights into this crucial metric.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and reputation of primary care practices significantly influence the overall health score. Identifying standout practices within 28411 requires a review of patient reviews, accreditations, and the breadth of services offered. Practices that consistently receive high ratings from patients, demonstrate adherence to best practices, and provide a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals, contribute positively to the health score. Information from sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, while potentially subject to bias, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences and practice performance.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly relevant in the healthcare landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including improved access to care for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, and individuals seeking convenient options for routine check-ups or follow-up appointments. Assessing the degree to which primary care practices in 28411 have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered virtually (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), is crucial. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can potentially improve the health score by expanding access and convenience for their patients. Data on telemedicine adoption might be available through surveys of local practices or through information provided on their websites.

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a critical factor. The integration of mental health services, such as screening for depression and anxiety, and the ability to provide referrals to mental health specialists, can significantly improve patient outcomes. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices in 28411 integrate mental health services, including the presence of on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, is essential. Local resources like the New Hanover County Health Department and the Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT) program could provide information about the available mental health resources.

The presence of specialized programs targeting specific populations, such as the elderly, children, or individuals with chronic diseases, also contributes to the overall health score. Practices that offer specialized care, such as geriatric care, pediatric care, or diabetes management programs, can cater to the unique needs of these populations, improving their health outcomes. This requires identifying practices that have dedicated programs and staff expertise in these areas. Information on these specialized programs can often be found on practice websites or through direct inquiries.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within 28411 influence the overall health score. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and access to transportation can significantly impact access to care and health outcomes. Analyzing these factors, potentially using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and local community organizations, provides a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and helps to identify potential disparities in access to care.

The evaluation of the overall health score should also consider the availability of after-hours care and emergency services. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or have partnerships with urgent care centers can improve access to care and reduce the burden on emergency departments. Assessing the availability of these services is essential for a comprehensive evaluation.

Finally, the health score analysis should be dynamic, not static. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging regularly. The analysis should be updated periodically to reflect these changes and provide a current and accurate assessment of the health score.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of the overall health score for primary care in 28411 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the quality and reputation of practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources and specialized programs. By considering these factors, a more accurate and useful assessment of the health of the community can be achieved.

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