28723, Cullowhee, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28723, Cullowhee, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.16 percent of the residents in 28723 has some form of health insurance. 23.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.44 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 28723 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28723. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,171 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,275 health care providers accessible to residents in 28723, Cullowhee, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Cullowhee, NC (ZIP Code 28723)

Assessing the overall health landscape in Cullowhee, North Carolina, specifically within the 28723 ZIP code, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, giving residents a clearer picture of their healthcare access and quality.

Cullowhee, nestled in the scenic mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare. Its relatively rural setting often translates to lower population density but can also mean limited access to specialized medical services. The analysis will consider these factors to arrive at a nuanced health score.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The cornerstone of any healthy community is readily available primary care. This includes general practitioners, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine specialists. Assessing the availability of these providers is crucial. In Cullowhee (28723), the number of primary care physicians needs to be benchmarked against the population size to determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signal potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and preventative care.

Research into the local healthcare systems is essential. This involves identifying the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28723 ZIP code and understanding the patient load they typically manage. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare providers will be critical in this assessment. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the geographic distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code, noting whether access is evenly distributed or concentrated in specific areas.

**Standout Practices and Healthcare Quality**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include patient satisfaction ratings, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores, as reported through surveys and online reviews, are generally considered to provide a positive patient experience.

The scope of services offered is another crucial aspect. Practices that offer a comprehensive range of primary care services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and basic diagnostic testing, tend to be more valuable to the community. This can be determined through detailed practice profiles and direct contact with the facilities.

Finally, the adoption of advanced healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, can improve efficiency and patient communication. Practices utilizing these technologies often provide a more streamlined and patient-centered experience.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within Cullowhee (28723) is a key factor in the overall health score. The analysis should examine which primary care practices offer telemedicine consultations and the types of services available through this platform.

Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs, particularly for patients in remote locations. It can also facilitate consultations with specialists who may not be readily available locally. The success of telemedicine adoption depends on several factors, including internet connectivity, patient and provider comfort with technology, and the availability of appropriate equipment.

**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and the availability of mental health resources is a significant factor in the health score. The analysis should assess the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 28723 ZIP code.

This includes evaluating the availability of mental health counseling, therapy, and medication management services. Furthermore, the analysis should consider the accessibility of these resources, including insurance acceptance and appointment availability. The presence of support groups and community-based mental health programs also enhances the overall health score.

**Synthesizing the Data: Creating an Overall Health Score**

To arrive at an 'Overall Health Score', the data collected on each of the above factors will be weighted and combined. The weight assigned to each factor will reflect its relative importance in determining the overall health of the community. For example, physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of primary care will likely carry a significant weight, while telemedicine adoption may have a slightly lower weight, depending on the specific context of the community.

The final score will be presented as a numerical value or a descriptive rating, providing a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape in Cullowhee (28723). This score can then be used as a benchmark for future improvements and to identify areas where resources are most needed.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Cullowhee is critical for residents. The analysis provides a framework for evaluating access, quality, and resources. The final 'Overall Health Score' offers a snapshot of the current state of healthcare in the 28723 ZIP code.

For a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare resources in Cullowhee and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data points, providing a powerful tool for making informed decisions about your healthcare needs.