28579, Smyrna, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28579, Smyrna, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 67.55 percent of the residents in 28579 has some form of health insurance. 25.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.51 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 28579 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 197 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28579. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 157 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,117 health care providers accessible to residents in 28579, Smyrna, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28579 and Primary Care Availability in Smyrna

Smyrna, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP Code 28579, presents a unique microcosm for assessing healthcare access and quality. Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for this community requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the number of physicians but also the breadth of services, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the availability of crucial mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of any health score is the availability of primary care physicians. In Smyrna, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive health management. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board, cross-referencing this information with physician directories and practice listings within the 28579 ZIP code. This data, analyzed over time, would reveal trends in physician supply and demand, informing the overall health score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves evaluating the types of practices available. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices with a wider range of specialists and support staff? Group practices often offer advantages like shared resources, extended hours, and the ability to provide more comprehensive care. Standout practices in Smyrna, if any, could be identified through patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), and the implementation of patient-centered care models. The presence of patient portals, electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing, and proactive outreach programs would all contribute to a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the overall health score. In a rural area like Smyrna, telemedicine can be a game-changer, bridging geographical barriers and providing access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. Evaluating the telemedicine capabilities of local practices involves assessing whether they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, and online patient portals. The ease of access to these technologies, the training provided to both physicians and patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan all contribute to a higher score. The adoption of telemedicine also has the potential to improve access to specialists, such as cardiologists or dermatologists, who may not have a physical presence in Smyrna.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health, often overlooked in traditional assessments. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors within the 28579 ZIP code is critical. Evaluating this involves identifying mental health providers, assessing their capacity to accept new patients, and understanding the range of services they offer. The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and partnerships between primary care physicians and mental health professionals would significantly boost the health score. The integration of mental health services into primary care, allowing for early detection and intervention, is particularly important.

Furthermore, the overall health score should consider the availability of other essential healthcare services. This includes access to urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and diagnostic imaging services (e.g., X-ray, MRI). The proximity of these services, their hours of operation, and their ability to accept various insurance plans all contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare in Smyrna. The presence of community health initiatives, such as health fairs, free screenings, and educational programs, also plays a role in promoting preventative care and improving the overall health of the community.

The economic and demographic characteristics of the population within 28579 also influence the health score. Factors such as income levels, insurance coverage rates, and the prevalence of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) must be considered. Data from the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide insights into these factors. Understanding the specific health challenges faced by the community allows for a more targeted approach to improving healthcare access and quality.

Analyzing the health score is not a static exercise; it requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Regular updates to the physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources are essential. Tracking patient satisfaction through surveys and feedback mechanisms provides valuable insights into the quality of care. The implementation of quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on reducing readmission rates or improving chronic disease management, can further enhance the health score.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 28579 and primary care availability in Smyrna requires a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond simply counting physicians. It involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. This holistic approach, coupled with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, provides a more accurate picture of the healthcare landscape and identifies areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Smyrna and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the overall health score, we recommend exploring the power of geographic data analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a platform to map physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource availability, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality within the 28579 ZIP code.