28624, Ferguson, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28624, Ferguson, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.67 percent of the residents in 28624 has some form of health insurance. 34.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.45 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 28624 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 247 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28624. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 331 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,280 health care providers accessible to residents in 28624, Ferguson, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Ferguson, NC (ZIP Code 28624)

Ferguson, North Carolina, nestled in Wilkes County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Evaluating the overall health score for the area requires a comprehensive analysis, moving beyond simple metrics to encompass the nuances of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This analysis will delve into these factors, offering a nuanced understanding of the health resources available to residents.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Within the 28624 ZIP code, the presence of primary care providers acts as a crucial gateway to overall well-being. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in preventative care. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized attention and proactive health management. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing data from the North Carolina Medical Board and other relevant sources. This data needs to be cross-referenced with population estimates for the 28624 area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of primary care practices present in Ferguson are essential. Are there practices accepting new patients? Do they offer a range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment? The presence of family medicine practices, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians contributes to a more robust and accessible healthcare system. Investigating the specific services offered by each practice is crucial. Does the practice offer on-site lab services, X-ray capabilities, or specialized programs for managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease?

Identifying standout practices within the community is also vital. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches, and a commitment to community health. This requires gathering patient reviews, analyzing quality metrics (if available), and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, or have a strong focus on preventative care would likely be considered high-performing. The presence of board-certified physicians and the practice’s accreditation status also factor into the assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is a key indicator of a modern and accessible healthcare system. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which practices in 28624 utilize telemedicine is important. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they use patient portals for communication and information sharing? The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those needing convenient follow-up appointments.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and counseling centers, is a crucial factor in assessing the community's health score. Investigating the number of mental health providers in the area, their specialties, and their acceptance of insurance is essential. Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs, support groups, and crisis intervention services contributes to a more comprehensive mental health support system. Access to mental healthcare is often a significant challenge in rural areas, and the availability of these resources directly impacts the overall health score.

The integration of these factors allows for a comprehensive assessment of the overall health score for Ferguson. The physician-to-patient ratio, the types of primary care practices available, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall picture. A high health score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare system with accessible primary care, a strong emphasis on preventative care, the integration of telemedicine, and readily available mental health services. Conversely, a low score would highlight potential challenges, such as limited access to primary care, a lack of telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health resources.

To gain a more complete picture, the analysis needs to incorporate data on health outcomes. This would involve examining data on chronic disease prevalence, rates of preventable hospitalizations, and overall life expectancy. This data is often available from county health departments and state health agencies. Combining this data with the analysis of healthcare resources allows for a more accurate assessment of the community’s health status.

The evaluation of the health score also requires consideration of social determinants of health. Factors like socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, housing quality, and environmental conditions can significantly impact health outcomes. These factors, while not directly related to healthcare providers, influence the overall health of the community. Addressing these social determinants is crucial for improving the health score and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live healthy lives.

Analyzing the health score also requires evaluating the quality of care provided. This includes assessing patient satisfaction, the use of evidence-based practices, and the practice’s commitment to continuous improvement. This data can be gathered through patient surveys, quality audits, and reviews of the practice’s policies and procedures. Practices that prioritize patient safety, offer high-quality care, and actively seek to improve their services are likely to contribute positively to the overall health score.

The overall health score for Ferguson is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment that reflects the changing healthcare landscape. Regular monitoring and evaluation are necessary to identify areas for improvement and to track progress over time. This requires ongoing data collection, analysis, and collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the health resources available in Ferguson, NC (28624). To visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of Ferguson and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to explore physician locations, practice types, and other relevant information in an interactive and user-friendly format.