28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 28629 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 28629 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28629. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,336 health care providers accessible to residents in 28629, Glendale Springs, North Carolina.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Glendale Springs, NC (ZIP Code 28629)**

Assessing the overall health landscape within Glendale Springs, North Carolina (ZIP code 28629) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility of care, the integration of modern technologies, and the availability of crucial support services like mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Overall Health Score," offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific area. The score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on several key factors.

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

A fundamental aspect of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like Glendale Springs, this ratio is likely a critical indicator of healthcare adequacy. Researching and analyzing the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 28629 ZIP code is paramount. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from healthcare directories, can reveal the density of PCPs. Furthermore, it's important to consider the patient population size within the ZIP code. This data is available through the U.S. Census Bureau. The resulting ratio—patients per PCP—will be a primary determinant of the "Overall Health Score." A high ratio (many patients per doctor) suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and consistent care. Conversely, a low ratio indicates greater availability.

Primary care availability is directly linked to the physician-to-patient ratio. Beyond simply counting doctors, it's crucial to evaluate the operational hours, appointment scheduling processes, and the acceptance of new patients by the existing practices. Are practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for a routine appointment? Are evening or weekend hours offered? These factors significantly influence the accessibility of primary care. The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics within or near the ZIP code can mitigate some of the challenges associated with a potentially high physician-to-patient ratio.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors beyond the raw number of physicians. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. These reviews often highlight aspects such as physician communication, wait times, office staff friendliness, and the overall quality of care. Analyzing the common themes within these reviews—both positive and negative—can help identify practices that consistently deliver high-quality care.

Furthermore, it's important to assess the accreditation status of local practices and hospitals. Accreditation by organizations like the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) indicates adherence to specific quality and safety standards. This accreditation can be a reliable indicator of a practice's commitment to providing high-quality care. Additionally, the presence of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs or preventative care initiatives, can further elevate a practice's standing.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption rate within Glendale Springs is a key component of the "Overall Health Score." Assessing the availability of telehealth options—such as virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals—is crucial.

Investigating which practices offer telemedicine services and the specific services offered is necessary. Are patients able to schedule virtual appointments with their PCPs? Are specialists accessible through telemedicine? Are there remote monitoring programs for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension? The ease of use and accessibility of these telehealth services are also important considerations. User-friendly platforms and reliable internet access are essential for successful telemedicine implementation.

**Mental Health Resources and Support**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and the availability of mental health resources significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." Determining the presence of mental health professionals—psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors—within or near the 28629 ZIP code is vital. This involves researching local directories, contacting healthcare providers, and exploring community resources.

It's also important to assess the accessibility of these mental health services. Are there long wait times for appointments? Does the area have crisis intervention services available? Are there support groups or community programs focused on mental health? The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site therapists or psychiatrists, can also improve accessibility and coordination of care. The existence of programs addressing substance abuse, which often co-occurs with mental health issues, is also a factor.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion**

Based on the analysis of these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for Glendale Springs, NC (ZIP code 28629) can be determined. The score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem, highlighting areas where access to care is strong and areas where improvements are needed. A high score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare environment with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, accessible primary care, quality practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care and a need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare outcomes.

**Call to Action**

For a comprehensive, visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Glendale Springs and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide interactive visualizations of physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, allowing you to analyze the data geographically and gain deeper insights into healthcare access and disparities. Explore CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a better understanding of the healthcare landscape.