28701, Alexander, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.15 percent of the residents in 28701 has some form of health insurance. 30.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.98 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 28701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,059 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28701. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 632 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,667 health care providers accessible to residents in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28701 and Primary Care Availability in Alexander

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28701, encompassing the Alexander, North Carolina area, necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and its capacity to serve the community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, signifying fewer physicians per capita, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Evaluating this ratio requires examining the number of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals actively practicing within the 28701 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population of the area. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide crucial insights. A concerningly high ratio suggests a potential shortage of healthcare providers, necessitating further investigation into the underlying causes and potential solutions.

Identifying standout medical practices is crucial for understanding the quality of care available. This involves examining factors such as patient reviews, accreditations, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative medical technologies. Practices that consistently receive positive patient feedback, hold accreditations from reputable organizations, and offer a broad spectrum of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized treatments, contribute significantly to a higher overall health score. Investigating the practices' affiliations with hospitals and other healthcare networks can also provide valuable information about their resources and capacity.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated locations. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices within 28701 involves investigating their use of virtual platforms, their ability to integrate remote monitoring devices, and their compliance with relevant privacy regulations. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to expanding access and improving patient convenience, ultimately contributing to a higher overall health score.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services within 28701 requires examining the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Investigating the availability of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also essential. A community with readily accessible mental health resources demonstrates a commitment to addressing the holistic health needs of its residents. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices can further improve access and coordination of care.

The overall health score for the area is not simply a summation of these individual factors. It is an integrated assessment that considers how these elements interact and influence each other. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might be offset by the widespread adoption of telemedicine or the availability of robust mental health resources. Conversely, a well-staffed medical practice might be less effective if it lacks access to mental health support or struggles to accommodate patients with transportation challenges.

The overall health score for the area should also consider the demographics of the population, including age, income, and ethnicity. These factors can influence the healthcare needs of the community and the accessibility of services. For instance, a community with a high proportion of elderly residents may require a greater emphasis on geriatric care, while a community with a high poverty rate may need more resources to address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the impact of healthcare policy and funding on the overall health score. Changes in insurance coverage, reimbursement rates, and government programs can significantly affect the availability of healthcare services and the financial stability of medical practices. Monitoring these policy changes and their potential impact on the community is crucial for maintaining a healthy healthcare ecosystem.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 28701 and primary care availability in Alexander requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. By considering these factors in conjunction with demographic data, healthcare policies, and funding streams, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved. This analysis will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, and it will help to identify areas for improvement.

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