28436, Delco, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28436, Delco, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.53 percent of the residents in 28436 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.17 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 28436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28436. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28436, Delco, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28436 and Primary Care Availability in Delco

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment, comparing the medical landscape of physicians practicing within ZIP code 28436 (a hypothetical location) with the primary care availability in Delaware County, Pennsylvania (Delco). The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comparative perspective, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in healthcare access and quality.

**ZIP Code 28436: A Focused Examination**

Evaluating the healthcare ecosystem within ZIP code 28436 necessitates a granular approach. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per doctor, can signal potential access challenges, leading to longer wait times and potentially less individualized care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater availability and potentially improved patient outcomes. Data on this specific ZIP code is crucial for an accurate assessment. Publicly available sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Area Health Resources Files (AHRF), can provide insights, but more specific, local data is paramount.

Identifying standout practices within 28436 requires evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. Patient satisfaction scores, as collected by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), are vital. Furthermore, the breadth of services offered is significant. Practices that provide comprehensive care, including preventative services, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals, contribute positively to the overall health score. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the Joint Commission, also indicates a commitment to quality and safety. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability are also essential for seamless care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering a range of virtual services, will receive higher scores. The ease of use of these platforms and the availability of technical support for patients are also important considerations.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of overall health. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within or readily accessible to the ZIP code is essential. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is a significant advantage, allowing for early detection and treatment of mental health concerns. Partnerships with local mental health organizations, community support groups, and crisis intervention services further enhance the accessibility and comprehensiveness of mental healthcare.

**Primary Care Availability in Delco: A Broader Perspective**

Delaware County, Pennsylvania, presents a different scope of analysis. Assessing primary care availability requires a county-wide perspective. This includes evaluating the distribution of primary care physicians across the county, considering the population density of various areas. Areas with limited access, such as rural communities, may require targeted interventions to improve healthcare access.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Delco, averaged across the county, provide a baseline understanding. However, this average can mask significant disparities. A detailed analysis should consider variations across different municipalities and neighborhoods. The availability of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers is particularly important, as they often serve vulnerable populations.

The presence of hospitals and large healthcare systems in Delco contributes significantly to the overall health score. These institutions often house a wide range of specialists and offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options. The quality of these institutions, as measured by patient outcomes, patient safety metrics, and accreditation status, is crucial.

Telemedicine adoption in Delco should be assessed across the county. The presence of telehealth programs within hospitals, primary care practices, and specialist offices is a positive indicator. The availability of telehealth services for various specialties, including mental health, is particularly important.

Mental health resources in Delco require a comprehensive assessment. This includes evaluating the number of mental health professionals, the availability of inpatient and outpatient mental health services, and the presence of crisis intervention services. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices and the availability of mental health resources for specific populations, such as children and adolescents, are crucial.

**Comparative Analysis and Scoring**

Comparing the two locations requires a scoring system based on the factors discussed. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, should be assigned a weight based on its importance. The overall score would be a composite of these weighted scores.

For example, if ZIP code 28436 has a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a high level of telemedicine adoption, and a strong integration of mental health services within primary care, it would likely receive a higher overall health score. Conversely, if Delco faces challenges in primary care access, uneven distribution of physicians, and limited mental health resources, its score may be comparatively lower.

The final scoring should be accompanied by a narrative summary, highlighting the key strengths and weaknesses of each location. This summary should provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28436 and Delco. The specific data available will ultimately determine the accuracy of the assessment. Accessing detailed information about physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability is crucial for a robust evaluation.

To visualize and analyze this complex data, consider exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can transform raw healthcare data into actionable insights. By visualizing physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability, CartoChrome can help identify areas with the greatest need and inform strategic decision-making to improve healthcare access and quality.