28705, Bakersville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.25 percent of the residents in 28705 has some form of health insurance. 42.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.47 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 28705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,341 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28705. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,212 health care providers accessible to residents in 28705, Bakersville, North Carolina.

Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28705 & Primary Care Availability in Bakersville

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28705, encompassing the town of Bakersville, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, aiming to provide an 'Overall Health Score,' delves into various critical aspects of healthcare access and quality, focusing specifically on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This score will be a composite, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Bakersville, a rural area, this is a particularly critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Data on this ratio needs to be meticulously examined. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards should be consulted. This data will reveal the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the 28705 ZIP code and the estimated population served. This ratio then needs to be compared against state and national averages to provide context.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires research into patient reviews, practice accreditations, and the types of services offered. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they participate in value-based care models, incentivizing better health outcomes? Investigating these factors will help to determine which practices are truly excelling in patient care. This research may involve online searches, reviewing patient testimonials, and checking for accreditations from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Telemedicine adoption presents another important consideration. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas where geographical barriers can be significant. The presence of telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online prescription refills, can improve convenience. The availability of telemedicine services should be assessed for each primary care practice in the area. This assessment should include evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use of the technology, and the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health services within the 28705 ZIP code is a significant factor in determining the overall health score. This includes assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services should also be examined. This assessment should consider the accessibility of these services, including factors like insurance coverage, wait times for appointments, and the availability of services for specific populations, such as children and adolescents.

The integration of mental health services with primary care is a particularly important consideration. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians, can improve access to mental health care and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. The presence of such integrated care models in Bakersville would significantly boost the overall health score.

Further complicating the analysis is the socioeconomic landscape of Bakersville. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to healthy food options can negatively impact health outcomes. These social determinants of health must be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of the healthcare system. This requires research into local demographics, including income levels, educational attainment, and access to transportation.

The overall health score for 28705 will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, but the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will also play a crucial role. The score should also reflect the impact of social determinants of health. A higher score will indicate a healthier community with better access to quality care, while a lower score will highlight areas needing improvement.

The final score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with a detailed explanation of the methodology used and the weighting of each factor. This will allow for a transparent and objective assessment of the healthcare landscape in Bakersville. The analysis should also identify specific areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or improving access to mental health resources.

In conclusion, the overall health score for 28705, and primary care availability in Bakersville, is a complex assessment that requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. By analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and social determinants of health, a more informed and nuanced understanding of the health landscape can be developed. This analysis provides a starting point for assessing the health of the community and identifying areas for improvement.

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