28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.16 percent of the residents in 28428 has some form of health insurance. 30.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.05 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 28428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 968 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 14 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28428. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,460 health care providers accessible to residents in 28428, Carolina Beach, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Carolina Beach, NC (ZIP Code 28428)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Carolina Beach, North Carolina (ZIP code 28428) requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the integration of technology, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for the community, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Carolina Beach, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. While pinpointing the exact number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code can fluctuate, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is essential. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, a decline in overall community health. Researching the number of active primary care physicians and comparing it to the population of 28428 will yield the initial data point.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is equally important. Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices often distinguish themselves through factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative screenings), and the integration of innovative technologies. Analyzing patient reviews, examining practice websites for detailed information about services, and potentially consulting with local community health organizations can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption represents a critical element of modern healthcare delivery. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues, transportation limitations, or those living in more remote areas. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in Carolina Beach have embraced telemedicine is essential. Are virtual appointments offered? Do patients have access to online portals for scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and communicating with their physicians? The more integrated telemedicine is, the higher the score.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, within the community is a critical factor. Assessing the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times) are vital. Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs, such as support groups or outreach initiatives, can significantly enhance the community's mental well-being.

Beyond primary care and mental health, other factors contribute to the overall health score. The presence of urgent care facilities, specialty care providers (e.g., cardiologists, dermatologists), and access to pharmacies are all relevant. The availability of health education programs, such as those focused on nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention, also plays a role. The overall score will reflect a composite of all these factors.

To formulate a definitive score, a weighted system is necessary. Each category (primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, etc.) will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance. For instance, primary care availability and mental health resources might be weighted more heavily than the availability of specialty care, assuming that access to basic healthcare and mental well-being are fundamental to a healthy community.

The final score will be a numerical representation of the overall health landscape in Carolina Beach. This score can then be used to benchmark the community against other areas, identify areas for improvement, and inform public health initiatives. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the community's health resources and accessibility.

The analysis process involves gathering data from various sources. This includes online directories of physicians and healthcare providers, insurance provider websites, and community health organization websites. Patient reviews and testimonials can also be valuable sources of information. Furthermore, contacting local healthcare providers directly to gather information about their services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is crucial.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This includes analyzing patient satisfaction scores, reviewing practice websites, and potentially conducting interviews with patients and healthcare professionals. The goal is to identify practices that are providing high-quality, patient-centered care and that are actively embracing innovative technologies.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites and contacting providers to determine the availability of virtual appointments, online patient portals, and remote monitoring services. The more integrated telemedicine is, the higher the score.

Evaluating mental health resources requires identifying the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of those services. This also includes identifying community-based mental health programs and support groups.

The final ‘Overall Health Score’ will be a dynamic measure. It should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This might involve tracking changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The ‘Overall Health Score’ for Carolina Beach, NC (ZIP Code 28428) is a complex metric. It is a snapshot in time. It is a valuable tool for assessing the health of the community.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Carolina Beach and visualize the data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, access to services, and other relevant health data.