28777, Spruce Pine, North Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 28777, Spruce Pine, North Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.96 percent of the residents in 28777 has some form of health insurance. 32.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.79 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 28777 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,614 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28777. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,794 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,592 health care providers accessible to residents in 28777, Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Spruce Pine, NC (ZIP Code 28777)

Evaluating the overall health landscape of Spruce Pine, North Carolina (ZIP code 28777) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, the presence of standout medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. It aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Spruce Pine, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 28777 is essential. Publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards, should be consulted to obtain the most accurate figures. This data point alone significantly impacts the overall health score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and reputation of the existing medical practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices requires examining several factors. These include patient reviews, the range of services offered, the qualifications of the medical staff, and the adoption of modern technologies. Practices that are consistently praised for their patient care, offer a comprehensive suite of services (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals), and embrace technological advancements (like electronic health records and patient portals) would contribute positively to the overall health score. Conversely, practices with negative reviews, limited service offerings, or outdated systems would detract from it.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator of a modern and accessible healthcare system. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for residents in rural areas like Spruce Pine. The presence of telemedicine services offered by local practices, hospitals, or affiliated networks is a positive sign. The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, is a crucial element in the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an increasingly vital component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is crucial. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups within the community contributes positively to the health score. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, allowing for easier access to mental healthcare, is a significant advantage. The availability of crisis intervention services and resources for substance abuse treatment also plays a critical role.

Assessing the overall health score requires a holistic approach, considering all the above factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all interconnected. A high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a lack of telemedicine and limited mental health resources, would result in a lower overall health score. Conversely, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with quality medical practices, robust telemedicine options, and readily available mental health services, would lead to a higher score.

To provide a more concrete assessment, a detailed analysis of each factor is needed. This includes gathering data on the number of PCPs in the area, the specific services offered by local practices, the availability of telemedicine options, and the number of mental health professionals and resources available. This data should be collected from reliable sources, such as the HRSA, state medical boards, local hospitals, and mental health organizations.

Furthermore, the overall health score should be dynamic. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The addition of new medical practices, the expansion of telemedicine services, or the establishment of new mental health resources would all positively impact the score. Conversely, the closure of medical practices or a reduction in mental health services would negatively impact it.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the Spruce Pine population. Factors such as the age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic status of the residents should be considered. These factors can influence the demand for healthcare services and the types of services that are most needed.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for Spruce Pine (ZIP code 28777) is a complex undertaking. It requires a thorough analysis of physician availability, the quality of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. By considering these factors and regularly updating the assessment, a comprehensive picture of the local healthcare landscape can be obtained. This information can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform efforts to improve the health and well-being of the Spruce Pine community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Spruce Pine and surrounding areas, including the locations of medical practices, hospitals, and mental health resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, providing valuable insights into the accessibility and distribution of healthcare services.