28461, Southport, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28461, Southport, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.85 percent of the residents in 28461 has some form of health insurance. 49.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.61 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 28461 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,740 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28461. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,731 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,725 health care providers accessible to residents in 28461, Southport, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Southport, NC (ZIP Code 28461)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Southport, North Carolina (ZIP code 28461) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis goes beyond simply counting doctors; it examines physician-to-patient ratios, evaluates the presence of standout medical practices, explores the adoption of telemedicine, and investigates the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, offering residents a clearer understanding of their community’s healthcare accessibility and quality.

Southport, a coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The demographic, often including a significant retired population, influences the demand for specific medical services. Proximity to larger urban centers like Wilmington provides some access to specialized care, but local primary care availability remains a critical factor in overall health outcomes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Calculating a precise physician-to-patient ratio for Southport requires accessing up-to-date data from reliable sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. This ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly crucial. PCPs serve as the entry point into the healthcare system, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating referrals to specialists. Examining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, alongside their patient load, offers a more nuanced understanding of primary care accessibility. Are there enough PCPs to meet the needs of the community? Are they accepting new patients? These questions are vital in assessing the ‘Overall Health Score’.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout medical practices involves considering several factors. Reputation, as gleaned from patient reviews and online ratings, is an important metric. Accreditation from organizations like the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) indicates adherence to high standards of care. The range of services offered, including specialized care options, is also relevant.

Furthermore, it is important to assess the quality of care. This can be evaluated through metrics such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for chronic disease management, and the availability of advanced diagnostic technologies. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication and shared decision-making, are likely to receive higher scores.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services via technology, is transforming healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in Southport can significantly impact the ‘Overall Health Score’. Telemedicine can reduce geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive virtual monitoring, and access specialist consultations.

The extent of telemedicine adoption can be evaluated by examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine are likely to enhance patient convenience and improve access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges.

**Mental Health Resources and Support:**

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within Southport is essential. This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and other mental health professionals. Are there adequate mental health services to meet the community's needs?

Beyond the number of providers, it is important to consider the types of services offered. Are there individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management services available? Does the community have access to crisis intervention services and support groups? Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also a critical factor in ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care. A community with robust mental health resources will naturally contribute to a higher ‘Overall Health Score’.

**Synthesizing the Data: The ‘Overall Health Score’**

Compiling all the data – physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability – allows for a more informed assessment of the ‘Overall Health Score’. The score is not a single number but rather a holistic evaluation reflecting the community's strengths and weaknesses in healthcare access and quality.

A high score would indicate a community with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong presence of high-quality medical practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would signal potential challenges in healthcare access, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The ‘Overall Health Score’ for Southport, NC (28461) is a dynamic measure, constantly evolving with changes in healthcare landscape. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of healthcare within the community. To further explore the healthcare environment in Southport and visualize the locations of medical providers, consider using interactive mapping tools.

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