28752, Marion, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28752, Marion, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.91 percent of the residents in 28752 has some form of health insurance. 40.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.16 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 28752 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,130 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28752. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,628 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,590 health care providers accessible to residents in 28752, Marion, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Marion, NC (ZIP Code 28752)

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 28752, encompassing the town of Marion, North Carolina, necessitates a multifaceted examination. We'll delve into the availability of primary care physicians, analyze physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the community's healthcare accessibility and quality.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Marion, the number of practicing primary care doctors directly impacts residents' ability to access preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and receive timely diagnoses. An inadequate supply of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased reliance on emergency room visits for non-emergency issues, and ultimately, a decline in overall community health. The current landscape needs careful scrutiny to determine if the existing physician base adequately serves the population's needs.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. This ratio quantifies the number of residents served by each primary care physician. A higher ratio suggests a potential strain on the existing medical workforce, potentially leading to decreased appointment availability and increased workload for physicians. Conversely, a lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, allowing for more personalized attention and potentially improved health outcomes. Analyzing this ratio within 28752, and comparing it to both state and national averages, provides a critical benchmark for assessing the community's healthcare capacity.

Identifying standout practices within Marion is equally important. These practices often demonstrate best practices in patient care, operational efficiency, and community engagement. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, the adoption of electronic health records, and the practice's commitment to preventative care initiatives. Highlighting these exemplary practices can serve as a model for other healthcare providers and contribute to a general improvement in the quality of care within the community. Specific practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or specialized services like diabetes management or geriatric care warrant particular attention.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant trend in modern healthcare delivery. Its potential to improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas like Marion, is substantial. Telemedicine can reduce the need for travel, provide access to specialists who may not be locally available, and facilitate remote monitoring of chronic conditions. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care providers in 28752, including the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), is critical to understanding the community's healthcare adaptability and its capacity to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

Mental health resources are an indispensable component of a comprehensive healthcare system. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups within Marion directly impacts the community's ability to address mental health challenges. Evaluating the accessibility of these resources, including the presence of mental health clinics, the acceptance of insurance, and the availability of crisis intervention services, is essential. Furthermore, examining the integration of mental healthcare into primary care settings, a practice that can improve access and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, is crucial.

The overall health score for Marion, NC (ZIP Code 28752) is a complex calculation. It's not a single number but a composite of several factors. The primary care physician supply, physician-to-patient ratio, quality of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to this score. A low score suggests potential challenges in accessing care, while a high score indicates a more robust and accessible healthcare system.

To truly understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and their impact on the community, spatial analysis is invaluable. Visualizing the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, mental health facilities, and other healthcare providers, in relation to the population density and demographics of Marion, can reveal important insights. This spatial perspective allows for a more granular understanding of healthcare access disparities and helps identify areas where resources are most needed.

Analyzing the data, one can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. Are there underserved areas within the ZIP code? Are there gaps in the types of services offered? Are there opportunities to improve access to care through telemedicine or other innovative approaches? These are the kinds of questions that a comprehensive analysis, including the factors mentioned above, can answer.

The health of a community is a shared responsibility. It requires the collaboration of healthcare providers, community organizations, local government, and the residents themselves. By understanding the current state of healthcare resources, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance access and quality of care, Marion can strive to create a healthier and more vibrant community for all its residents.

To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Marion, and to visualize the data in an interactive and informative way, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They provide a powerful tool for analyzing the healthcare landscape and identifying areas of need.