28692, Vilas, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.72 percent of the residents in 28692 has some form of health insurance. 35.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.26 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 28692 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 620 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28692. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 846 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 532 health care providers accessible to residents in 28692, Vilas, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28692 and Primary Care Availability in Vilas

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28692, which encompasses the town of Vilas, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and identifies standout practices. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for residents.

The cornerstone of any health assessment is the availability of primary care physicians. In Vilas, understanding the density of these crucial providers is paramount. A low density can lead to delayed care, increased travel times, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Evaluating the ratio of physicians to the population is a key metric. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story. Factors like the age and health needs of the population, the presence of specialists, and the utilization of telehealth services also influence the overall health score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator. A favorable ratio, ideally, would mean more readily available appointments, shorter wait times, and a greater opportunity for preventative care. Conversely, a strained ratio can lead to overbooked schedules, rushed appointments, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 28692, and comparing it to both state and national averages, is essential to understanding the relative accessibility of primary care in the area. This comparative analysis provides a crucial context for evaluating the overall health score.

Identifying standout practices is also key. Some practices may excel in patient satisfaction, offer extended hours, or have integrated innovative technologies. These practices often serve as models for others, and their presence can significantly elevate the overall health score of a region. Investigating patient reviews, assessing the range of services offered (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized programs), and evaluating the practice’s commitment to patient education are all essential components of this assessment.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant benefits, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit access to care. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialist consultations. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine adoption within 28692, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ups, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients, is crucial. A high level of telemedicine adoption can significantly boost the overall health score, especially for residents facing mobility challenges or living in remote areas.

Mental health resources are an increasingly important component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for addressing the growing need for mental healthcare services. Assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, evaluating the accessibility of these services (e.g., wait times, insurance acceptance), and examining the presence of support groups or community mental health programs are essential. A robust mental health infrastructure significantly contributes to a higher overall health score.

Further, considering the demographic characteristics of the population within 28692 is crucial. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of chronic diseases can significantly influence healthcare needs and the overall health score. For example, a population with a higher proportion of elderly residents may require more specialized geriatric care, while a population with a higher prevalence of diabetes may benefit from specialized diabetes management programs.

To arrive at a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’, all these factors need to be weighted and analyzed. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the demographic characteristics of the population all contribute to the final score. The weighting assigned to each factor should be based on its relative importance and impact on the overall health of the community.

For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a robust telemedicine infrastructure and readily available mental health resources, would likely result in a higher overall health score. Conversely, a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources would likely result in a lower score. The presence of standout practices, offering high-quality care and innovative services, could help to offset some of the negative impacts of a lower physician-to-patient ratio.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 28692 and primary care availability in Vilas requires a nuanced and data-driven approach. It involves assessing the availability of primary care physicians, evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, examining the adoption of telemedicine, and assessing the availability of mental health resources. By considering these factors, and weighting them appropriately, a comprehensive and meaningful ‘Overall Health Score’ can be determined, offering valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for the residents of Vilas.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and visualize the data discussed, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, telemedicine access points, and mental health resource availability within 28692, allowing for a more granular and insightful analysis.