28771, Robbinsville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28771, Robbinsville, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.56 percent of the residents in 28771 has some form of health insurance. 47.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.96 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 28771 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,541 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28771. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,784 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 71 health care providers accessible to residents in 28771, Robbinsville, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Robbinsville, NC (ZIP Code 28771)

Analyzing the overall health landscape of Robbinsville, North Carolina, and specifically the availability of primary care physicians within the 28771 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates examining physician-to-patient ratios, the quality and reach of existing practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in an ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, painting a picture of the community's access to and quality of healthcare.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**

One of the most crucial indicators of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the number of residents served by each primary care physician. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially impacting preventative care and timely diagnosis. In a rural area like Robbinsville, this ratio is often a challenge. The limited population base and the potential for fewer physicians to be attracted to a smaller community can exacerbate this issue. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 28771 is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and county health departments can provide this critical information. Furthermore, the ratio should be considered in conjunction with the demographics of the area. The age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic status of the residents all influence the demand for primary care services.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Beyond the raw numbers of physicians, the quality and reach of the existing primary care practices are paramount. Evaluating the practices involves considering several factors. Firstly, the scope of services offered is important. Do the practices offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals? Secondly, the accreditation status of the practices should be investigated. Accreditation by organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission indicates a commitment to quality and patient safety. Thirdly, patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Examining these reviews can reveal strengths and weaknesses in the practices, such as wait times, communication with providers, and the overall patient-centeredness of the care. Finally, the practices’ integration with the broader healthcare system, including hospitals and specialist networks, is essential for seamless care coordination.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within the primary care practices in Robbinsville is a significant factor in the Overall Health Score. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption involves determining the types of services offered remotely. Are practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and online prescription refills? The accessibility of telemedicine is also critical. Do practices offer telehealth options to patients with limited transportation options or those living in remote areas? Furthermore, the technological infrastructure supporting telemedicine, including reliable internet access and user-friendly platforms, must be evaluated. The success of telemedicine also hinges on the willingness of both patients and providers to embrace this technology. Training and support for both parties are essential to ensure effective utilization.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The availability and accessibility of mental health resources in Robbinsville significantly impact the community’s well-being. Assessing this area involves determining the number of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The types of services offered, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management, are also important. The integration of mental health services with primary care is particularly critical. Co-locating mental health providers within primary care practices or establishing referral pathways between primary care and mental health specialists can improve access and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Furthermore, the availability of crisis intervention services, such as 24/7 hotlines or mobile crisis units, is essential for addressing urgent mental health needs.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Synthesizing the information gathered across these four key areas – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – allows for the creation of an Overall Health Score for Robbinsville (28771). This score can be represented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade. The score should reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. For instance, a high score would indicate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and comprehensive mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would signal challenges in one or more of these areas, such as a shortage of physicians, limited access to specialists, or a lack of mental health support. The score should be accompanied by a narrative that explains the rationale behind the assessment, highlighting the specific factors that contributed to the score. This narrative should also identify areas for improvement and potential solutions to address any identified shortcomings.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

Understanding the healthcare landscape of Robbinsville is a dynamic process. The data changes, and the needs of the community evolve. To gain a comprehensive and visually rich understanding of the healthcare resources in Robbinsville, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can visually represent physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data points, allowing for a deeper exploration of the healthcare infrastructure and the identification of areas where resources are needed most.