29154, Sumter, South Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 29154, Sumter, South Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.27 percent of the residents in 29154 has some form of health insurance. 39.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.81 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 29154 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,310 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29154. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,097 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,672 health care providers accessible to residents in 29154, Sumter, South Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter, SC

Assessing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 29154 and the broader context of primary care availability in Sumter, South Carolina, necessitates a multifaceted evaluation. This analysis will delve into key indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an overall health score assessment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A fundamental metric in gauging healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP Code 29154, and indeed across Sumter County, this ratio requires careful scrutiny. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau must be cross-referenced to determine the number of active primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the population. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can signal potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more favorable situation, but this alone doesn't guarantee quality care. The type of physician (general practice, internal medicine, etc.) must be considered.

The distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is also crucial. Are the PCPs concentrated in specific areas, leaving underserved pockets? This geographic analysis is vital for understanding healthcare disparities. Furthermore, specialist availability, although not directly impacting primary care, indirectly affects the overall health score. The ease of referral to specialists for conditions that are outside of a PCP’s scope of practice impacts the health score.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Patient reviews, collected through online platforms like Healthgrades and Zocdoc, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction with care, communication, and wait times. Accreditation status from organizations such as the Joint Commission or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) often indicates a commitment to quality and safety standards.

Practices with a demonstrated focus on preventive care, such as routine screenings and vaccinations, contribute positively to the overall health score. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, prioritizing individual needs and preferences, are also highly regarded. Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and the availability of online patient portals can streamline communication and improve access to medical information, boosting the health score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine, the delivery of healthcare services remotely via technology, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The extent of telemedicine adoption in ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter is a key factor in the overall health score. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills enhance accessibility, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

The availability of telemedicine also affects the ability to manage chronic conditions effectively. Regular virtual check-ins can help monitor patients' health status and adjust treatment plans as needed. The ease of access to these services, the technology infrastructure in place, and the training provided to both physicians and patients on how to use these services are all important components of the health score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health resources within ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter is a critical factor in the health score. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and other mental health professionals.

The accessibility of these resources, including the acceptance of insurance, is also important. The availability of crisis intervention services, support groups, and community mental health centers further enhances the mental health landscape. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices can improve early detection and treatment of mental health conditions, thereby improving the health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Synthesizing the factors outlined above, an overall health score for ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter can be formulated. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses across the key indicators. The physician-to-patient ratio would be weighted, with a favorable ratio contributing positively to the score. Standout practices, based on patient reviews, accreditation, and preventive care initiatives, would also boost the score.

The degree of telemedicine adoption would be assessed, with greater adoption leading to a higher score. Finally, the availability and accessibility of mental health resources would be factored in, with a robust mental health infrastructure contributing significantly to the overall health score.

A low score might indicate challenges in accessing primary care, limited telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health resources. Conversely, a high score would suggest a more favorable healthcare environment, with a sufficient number of physicians, readily available telemedicine services, and a strong mental health infrastructure. The overall health score is not a static measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter requires a comprehensive assessment of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all play a critical role in determining the overall health score. By analyzing these indicators, we can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29154 and Sumter, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed geographic representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, enabling a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and availability.