28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 28743 has some form of health insurance. 44.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.16 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 28743 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 386 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28743. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 573 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 492 health care providers accessible to residents in 28743, Hot Springs, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28743 and Primary Care Availability in Hot Springs

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28743, encompassing the town of Hot Springs, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. It involves examining the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an overall health score assessment, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Hot Springs, the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 28743 ZIP code is a crucial metric. Data collection, ideally from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare providers, would reveal the precise number of active primary care doctors. This number, however, is only part of the equation.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. To calculate this ratio, the population of the 28743 ZIP code must be determined. This can be obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Once the population is known, the number of primary care physicians can be divided into the population to determine the ratio of patients per physician. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, allowing physicians more time with each patient and potentially leading to better health outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within the community provides a qualitative dimension to the analysis. These practices might be recognized for their patient satisfaction scores, their innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, or their commitment to community outreach. Researching online reviews, surveying local residents, and examining practice accreditations can help identify these exemplary practices. These practices often serve as models for other providers and can contribute to a higher overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Hot Springs. Telemedicine expands access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology used. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a significant factor in the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The analysis must include an assessment of the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the 28743 ZIP code. This includes determining the number of mental health providers, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the acceptance of insurance. Furthermore, the presence of community mental health programs, support groups, and crisis intervention services should be evaluated.

The overall health score for the 28743 ZIP code will be a composite measure based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the number of telemedicine services offered. The scores for each factor will be combined to produce a final score, which can be expressed on a scale (e.g., 1-100). A higher score indicates a healthier community.

The score will be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology used, the data sources, and the assumptions made. It will also include a discussion of the limitations of the analysis. For example, the score may not capture the quality of care provided by individual physicians or the impact of social determinants of health, such as poverty and education.

The overall health score is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new physicians move into the area, telemedicine adoption increases, or mental health resources become more available, the score should be adjusted accordingly. This ongoing monitoring allows for tracking progress and identifying areas that require further attention.

The analysis should also identify areas for improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, recommendations for attracting new physicians or expanding existing practices could be made. If telemedicine adoption is low, strategies for increasing adoption, such as providing training for physicians or improving internet access, could be proposed. If mental health resources are limited, recommendations for expanding access to mental health services could be offered.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of a community requires a comprehensive and data-driven approach. By examining the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be achieved. This understanding can then be used to improve the health of the community.

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