28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.36 percent of the residents in 28430 has some form of health insurance. 39.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.72 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 28430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 425 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 407 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Cerro Gordo, NC (ZIP Code 28430)

Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access and overall health outcomes. Analyzing the health of the community, specifically focusing on physicians within the 28430 ZIP code and the availability of primary care, reveals a complex picture demanding careful consideration. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, incorporating factors like physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare environment.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric. Determining the precise number of practicing physicians, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), within the 28430 ZIP code is crucial. This involves cross-referencing data from the North Carolina Medical Board, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare facilities. Comparing this number to the population of Cerro Gordo and the surrounding areas allows for the calculation of a ratio, expressing the number of residents per physician. A higher ratio indicates potentially limited access to care, longer wait times, and a greater burden on existing healthcare providers. The rural nature of Cerro Gordo often presents challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, which can negatively impact this ratio.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are healthcare providers that demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative service delivery, and a commitment to community health. Researching practices within and near the 28430 ZIP code involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, accreditations, the scope of services offered, and participation in value-based care models. Practices that prioritize preventative care, chronic disease management, and patient education are particularly valuable. Their presence can significantly influence the overall health score by improving health outcomes and promoting a proactive approach to wellness.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to offer remote consultations, virtual check-ups, and remote monitoring can significantly enhance access to care, especially for residents in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which practices in and around Cerro Gordo utilize telemedicine involves examining their websites, patient communication strategies, and participation in telehealth platforms. The availability of reliable internet access, a common challenge in rural communities, also impacts the effectiveness of telemedicine services. Higher telemedicine adoption rates, coupled with accessible internet infrastructure, contribute positively to the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an indispensable component of overall well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the 28430 ZIP code involves identifying psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and mental health clinics. Assessing their capacity to serve the community, including their acceptance of various insurance plans and their ability to address specific mental health needs, is crucial. The presence of support groups, crisis intervention services, and partnerships with local schools and community organizations further enhances the mental health landscape. Limited access to mental healthcare, a pervasive problem in rural areas, would negatively impact the overall health score.

The analysis also considers the availability of specialized care. While primary care forms the cornerstone of healthcare, access to specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and dermatologists, is also important. Examining the proximity of specialists to Cerro Gordo, the ease of referral processes, and the availability of transportation options for patients requiring specialized care contributes to the overall health score. The presence of a nearby hospital with a comprehensive range of services is a significant advantage.

Furthermore, the analysis considers social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education levels, access to healthy food options, and housing conditions can significantly influence health outcomes. Understanding the prevalence of these factors within the 28430 ZIP code provides a broader context for interpreting the healthcare landscape. Addressing these social determinants through community initiatives and partnerships can positively impact the overall health score.

To synthesize these factors into an overall health score, a weighted scoring system is employed. Each category – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, access to specialized care, and social determinants of health – is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. Data is collected for each category, and scores are assigned based on pre-defined criteria. These individual scores are then combined, weighted, and aggregated to generate the overall health score. The final score provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment in Cerro Gordo.

The final ‘Overall Health Score’ will be a qualitative assessment, representing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. It will reflect the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The score will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on the community's well-being. This comprehensive approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment in Cerro Gordo, providing insights for community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis concludes with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare system in Cerro Gordo. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations for improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes for the residents of the community. The overall health score serves as a valuable tool for assessing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and advocating for resources that support a healthier community.

For a detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Cerro Gordo, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for mapping and analyzing healthcare data, offering valuable insights that complement this analysis.