28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.71 percent of the residents in 28673 has some form of health insurance. 33.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.61 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 28673 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 992 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28673. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,605 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,770 health care providers accessible to residents in 28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Sherrills Ford, NC (ZIP Code 28673)

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Sherrills Ford, North Carolina (ZIP code 28673) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider various factors, including the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall quality of healthcare practices. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' for the area, offering insights into its strengths and weaknesses.

The foundation of any healthy community is access to primary care. In Sherrills Ford, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical indicator. We need to assess the number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, taking into account factors like specialization (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) and whether they are accepting new patients. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, increased emergency room visits, and poorer overall health outcomes. Investigating the geographical distribution of these physicians is also essential to ensure equitable access for all residents, especially those in more rural areas of the ZIP code.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. This ratio provides a quantitative measure of access to care. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving adequate care. We must compare the physician-to-patient ratio in 28673 to state and national averages to determine whether the area faces a shortage or has sufficient access to primary care. This analysis should also consider the age and health needs of the population within the ZIP code. An aging population, for example, may require more frequent medical attention, potentially exacerbating any existing physician shortages.

Identifying standout practices in Sherrills Ford is essential. These practices can serve as benchmarks for quality of care and patient satisfaction. Factors to consider include the practice's reputation, patient reviews, the range of services offered (e.g., preventative care, chronic disease management), and the integration of technology. Are these practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively? Do they have robust patient portals that enable secure communication and access to medical information? These are all factors that contribute to a practice's overall quality score.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare. The ability to consult with a physician remotely can improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those who have difficulty taking time off from work. We need to assess the extent to which practices in 28673 offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient education. The availability of these services can significantly impact the overall health score, especially during times of public health crises or inclement weather.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is a key indicator of a community's health. We need to determine the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their accessibility (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). The integration of mental health services with primary care is also important. Co-locating mental health professionals within primary care practices can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Beyond the availability of resources, we need to assess the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors such as patient outcomes, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and patient satisfaction. Data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other healthcare quality reporting organizations can provide valuable insights. Analyzing patient reviews and feedback can also offer a valuable perspective on the patient experience.

The overall health score for Sherrills Ford will be a composite of these factors. A high score indicates ample access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, robust mental health resources, and high-quality healthcare practices. A lower score suggests areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine services, or increasing access to mental health care. This score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The analysis must consider the demographics of the population. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases can all influence the health needs of the community. Tailoring healthcare services to the specific needs of the population is crucial for improving overall health outcomes. This includes providing culturally competent care and addressing health disparities.

Furthermore, we must consider the impact of the healthcare system on the community's overall well-being. This includes factors such as healthcare costs, insurance coverage, and access to preventative care. A community with high healthcare costs and limited insurance coverage may experience poorer health outcomes, even if there are sufficient healthcare resources available.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score of Sherrills Ford, NC (ZIP code 28673) requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. By analyzing primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the quality of care, we can gain a clear understanding of the area's strengths and weaknesses. This information can then be used to inform policy decisions, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of the community.

Would you like to visualize this data and see the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Sherrills Ford and the surrounding areas? Explore the power of location intelligence with CartoChrome maps. They can provide an interactive and insightful view of the healthcare landscape, helping you to understand the complexities of access to care and identify areas for improvement.