28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.38 percent of the residents in 28747 has some form of health insurance. 33.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.49 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 28747 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28747. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 344 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 957 health care providers accessible to residents in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28747 & Primary Care Availability in Lake Toxaway**

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28747, encompassing the Lake Toxaway area, necessitates a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, assessing the presence of standout practices, examining the adoption of telemedicine, and scrutinizing the availability of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an overall health score, offering a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific locale.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. In the context of Lake Toxaway (28747), this ratio needs careful consideration. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, potentially leading to a less favorable ratio compared to urban centers. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from local healthcare providers, is crucial in determining the current physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. This data should be updated frequently to accurately reflect the evolving healthcare landscape.

Identifying standout practices within 28747 is vital. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care, offering innovative approaches to patient management and demonstrating a commitment to community health. Evaluating these practices involves considering factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative care, specialized services), the adoption of electronic health records, and the integration of patient-centered care models. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, and actively engage in community outreach initiatives deserve recognition. Researching online reviews, consulting with local healthcare advocacy groups, and analyzing data from insurance providers can help identify these standout practices.

Telemedicine has emerged as a critical tool in expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Assessing telemedicine adoption within 28747 involves evaluating the availability of telehealth services offered by local practices, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technological infrastructure supporting these services. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can significantly improve healthcare access for residents, especially those with mobility limitations or those living far from medical facilities. The availability of reliable internet connectivity is also a crucial factor in the successful implementation of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health and well-being. Access to mental health services in 28747 needs careful examination. This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the community. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also important. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care settings can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Evaluating the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is crucial.

The overall health score for 28747 will be a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of these factors. It will not be a simple numerical score but rather a nuanced assessment, providing a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care offered by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with good access to primary care, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health resources. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing care, limited resources, and a need for improvement.

The specific data points used to calculate the overall health score will include: the physician-to-patient ratio (weighted based on its impact on access), a quality-of-care score derived from patient satisfaction surveys and practice performance metrics, a telemedicine adoption score based on the availability and utilization of telehealth services, and a mental health resource score based on the availability and accessibility of mental health providers and services. Each of these components will be carefully weighted to reflect their relative importance in determining overall health outcomes.

The Lake Toxaway community, like many rural areas, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Distance, limited transportation options, and a smaller population base can all contribute to difficulties in securing timely and appropriate medical care. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, involving local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. Strategies to improve healthcare access might include recruiting and retaining physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and promoting preventative care initiatives.

The overall health score analysis is not a static assessment. It is a dynamic evaluation that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine technologies evolve, and mental health resources expand, the overall health score will need to be reassessed. This ongoing evaluation will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the Lake Toxaway community has access to the healthcare it needs to thrive.

The information gathered in this analysis can be further enhanced through the use of mapping tools. Visualizing healthcare data, such as the location of physicians, the availability of services, and the prevalence of health conditions, can provide valuable insights and inform decision-making. These maps can highlight areas with limited access to care, identify underserved populations, and guide the allocation of resources.

Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lake Toxaway and other areas? Visit CartoChrome maps today to explore interactive visualizations of healthcare data, including physician locations, service availability, and demographic information.