28712, Brevard, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.73 percent of the residents in 28712 has some form of health insurance. 46.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.51 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 28712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,050 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,165 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,175 health care providers accessible to residents in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28712 and Primary Care Availability in Brevard, North Carolina**

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 28712, centered around Brevard, North Carolina, and evaluating the broader primary care availability within the town necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into various factors, providing a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment. This score is not a single, easily quantifiable number but rather a synthesized judgment based on the evaluation of several key components, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios: A Critical Indicator**

A fundamental aspect of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a baseline understanding of the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. In Brevard (ZIP Code 28712), the ratio can fluctuate. It is essential to consider the impact of seasonal residents and tourists on this ratio, as they can temporarily inflate the demand for healthcare services. Furthermore, the age demographics of the population in Brevard are important. A higher percentage of older adults, for example, often leads to increased demand for healthcare services. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau should be consulted to establish a reliable physician-to-patient ratio for this specific area. This ratio will serve as a foundational element in the overall health score assessment. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care.

**Standout Practices: Centers of Excellence**

Identifying and evaluating standout medical practices is crucial. These practices often serve as benchmarks for quality of care, patient satisfaction, and innovation. In Brevard, the presence of practices that consistently receive high ratings from patients, demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and offer a comprehensive range of services will contribute positively to the overall health score. Factors to consider include the practice's accreditation status (e.g., Joint Commission), the range of services offered (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized services), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient care, and the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments. Researching the patient reviews and testimonials is also important.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access**

The adoption of telemedicine, particularly in a more rural area like Brevard, is a significant factor in improving healthcare access. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive follow-up care, and access specialized services that might not be readily available locally. The extent to which practices in Brevard have embraced telemedicine, the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients are all important considerations. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows and demonstrated improved patient outcomes will be given higher scores in this area.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in the overall health score. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and mental health support groups in Brevard and the surrounding areas is important. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is particularly beneficial, as it can facilitate early identification and treatment of mental health conditions. The accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage, wait times, and the availability of crisis intervention services, will significantly impact the overall health score. Furthermore, the presence of community-based mental health programs and initiatives will be viewed favorably.

**Synthesizing the Score**

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP Code 28712 and primary care availability in Brevard is a composite assessment. It is not a single number but a qualitative evaluation based on the weighted consideration of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will serve as a foundational indicator, with a lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) contributing positively to the score. The presence of standout practices, particularly those demonstrating excellence in patient care, innovation, and comprehensive service offerings, will also improve the score. The degree of telemedicine adoption, and the availability and accessibility of mental health resources will also significantly impact the overall score.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP Code 28712 and primary care availability in Brevard is a nuanced assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline, the presence of high-quality practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all crucial components. The score is not static and can change over time as the healthcare landscape evolves. It is essential to regularly monitor these factors and adapt strategies to improve healthcare access and quality in Brevard.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Brevard and surrounding areas, including the locations of medical practices, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare services and help identify areas where access to care may be limited.