28690, Valdese, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28690, Valdese, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.76 percent of the residents in 28690 has some form of health insurance. 41.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.26 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 28690 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,712 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28690. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,325 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,375 health care providers accessible to residents in 28690, Valdese, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Valdese, NC (ZIP Code 28690)

This analysis delves into the overall health landscape of Valdese, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care within the 28690 ZIP code. We will assess the physician-to-patient ratio, examine standout medical practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and explore the accessibility of mental health resources. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the health and wellness environment in Valdese.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is difficult to obtain due to constant fluctuations in population and physician availability, publicly available resources from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau provide a reasonable estimate. Comparing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 28690 ZIP code to the estimated population reveals a ratio. This ratio is then benchmarked against state and national averages. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially strain the healthcare system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests a more readily available and accessible primary care system.

Several primary care practices serve the Valdese community. Evaluating these practices requires considering various factors, including the range of services offered, patient reviews, and accreditation status. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback regarding patient satisfaction, communication, and the quality of care provided are generally considered to be high-performing. Accreditation by recognized organizations, such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission, often indicates a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and patient safety. Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs, on-site laboratory testing, and after-hours care, can significantly enhance a practice's value to the community.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical aspect of modern healthcare. Telemedicine, which encompasses the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, offers numerous benefits, particularly in rural areas like Valdese. It can improve access to care for patients who face geographical barriers, reduce travel time and associated costs, and provide greater flexibility in scheduling appointments. The extent to which primary care practices in Valdese have embraced telemedicine, including the use of video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, is an important indicator of their responsiveness to evolving healthcare needs. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their operations are often better positioned to provide timely and convenient care.

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and access to mental health resources is a critical component of a healthy community. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Valdese involves examining the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals. The number of mental health providers, coupled with the availability of counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric medication management, determines the accessibility of mental health care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is particularly beneficial, as it allows for integrated care and a more holistic approach to patient well-being.

To provide a more complete picture, the availability of other healthcare resources should also be considered. This includes the presence of urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and hospitals within a reasonable distance of Valdese. Proximity to these facilities can impact the ability of residents to access timely and specialized care when needed. The presence of pharmacies and access to prescription medications is another factor that affects the overall health of the community.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score for primary care in Valdese, NC (28690) is a complex undertaking that requires considering multiple factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and range of services offered by primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources are all critical elements. While a definitive numerical score is difficult to assign without direct access to real-time data, a careful analysis of these factors provides a valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. Further research and data collection would be necessary to refine this analysis and provide a more granular assessment.

For a dynamic, data-driven visualization of healthcare resources in Valdese and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and other relevant facilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that allow you to visualize healthcare data and gain a deeper understanding of the health landscape in your community.