28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.13 percent of the residents in 28725 has some form of health insurance. 33.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.72 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 28725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Dillsboro, NC (ZIP Code 28725)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Dillsboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28725) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide an informed 'Overall Health Score' for the community, offering insights into its strengths and areas needing improvement.

One of the most critical metrics is the physician-to-patient ratio. This figure directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction, and potential strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure. While precise, up-to-the-minute data on this ratio is dynamic and fluctuates, publicly available resources from organizations like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau provide a baseline. These sources, combined with local knowledge, allow for an estimation of the current ratio. A significantly lower ratio, for example, would suggest a potential challenge in accessing primary care services.

Dillsboro's primary care landscape is likely characterized by a mix of solo practitioners, small group practices, and potentially affiliations with larger healthcare systems in the surrounding areas. The quality of care can vary significantly based on factors such as the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of ancillary services (e.g., laboratory testing, radiology), and the overall patient experience. Identifying standout practices requires examining patient reviews, surveying local community feedback, and assessing the presence of accreditations or certifications that reflect a commitment to quality. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to preventative care are more likely to contribute positively to the community's overall health score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element. Telemedicine, encompassing remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and online patient portals, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Dillsboro. It reduces geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely. Examining the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, the types of services offered virtually, and the ease of use of these technologies are all important factors in the overall health score. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, as they are demonstrating a commitment to innovation and patient convenience.

Mental health resources are a crucial aspect of overall health. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is essential for addressing the growing prevalence of mental health conditions. Assessing the availability of these resources in Dillsboro involves identifying local providers, evaluating the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and determining whether they accept various insurance plans. The presence of community mental health centers, partnerships with local schools or organizations, and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health issues all contribute to a higher score. A community with limited mental health resources would naturally receive a lower overall score.

Furthermore, consider the presence of specialized care. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists, in the broader region impacts the overall health score. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between primary care physicians and specialists are all relevant factors. Access to these specialized services is crucial for managing chronic conditions and addressing complex health issues.

Another factor to consider is the demographic makeup of the community. Dillsboro's population characteristics, including age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases, influence the healthcare needs of the community. A community with a higher proportion of elderly residents, for example, might require more resources for geriatric care. Understanding these demographic factors helps to tailor the assessment and identify specific areas where healthcare services need to be strengthened.

The overall health score for Dillsboro (ZIP Code 28725) is a composite measure. It is derived from all the factors discussed: the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, access to specialized care, and the demographic characteristics of the population. Each of these factors is weighted based on its relative importance in contributing to overall health and well-being. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare system, while a lower score highlights areas that require improvement.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Dillsboro, identifying both its strengths and weaknesses. The information can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about healthcare access, resource allocation, and community health initiatives. The dynamic nature of the healthcare system means that this assessment is a continuous process, requiring regular updates and revisions to reflect changes in the local healthcare environment.

For a deeper dive into the health landscape of Dillsboro and surrounding areas, including detailed maps of physician locations, healthcare facility distributions, and demographic data visualization, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.