29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.05 percent of the residents in 29479 has some form of health insurance. 47.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.63 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 29479 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,619 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29479. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,097 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 400 health care providers accessible to residents in 29479, Saint Stephen, South Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29479 and Primary Care Availability in Saint Stephen, SC

Saint Stephen, South Carolina, nestled in Berkeley County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing the overall health score for the area, particularly focusing on doctors within the 29479 ZIP code and the availability of primary care, requires a multifaceted examination. This analysis delves into physician-to-patient ratios, highlights standout practices, examines telemedicine adoption, and explores the availability of mental health resources, providing a comprehensive overview.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In the 29479 ZIP code, the ratio likely reflects the rural nature of the area. Compared to more densely populated urban centers, the number of physicians per capita might be lower. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients, and a potential strain on existing healthcare providers. Analyzing the specific ratio requires accessing data from state medical boards, the U.S. Census Bureau, and potentially local healthcare networks. This data, however, is not readily available to the public, and would require a specialized data pull.

Evaluating the availability of primary care in Saint Stephen necessitates considering the types of practices present. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or larger healthcare systems with a presence in the area? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have greater capacity to accommodate patients. The presence of family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians is crucial for comprehensive primary care. The availability of after-hours care, including urgent care clinics, further enhances the accessibility of healthcare services. Furthermore, the presence of specialists, such as cardiologists or endocrinologists, although not primary care, can influence the overall health score by providing access to specialized care within the community or nearby.

Identifying standout practices involves assessing several factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the quality of care provided are essential considerations. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to preventative care often receive positive recognition. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can streamline patient care and improve coordination among healthcare providers. Practices that actively participate in community health initiatives and provide educational resources for patients also contribute to a higher overall health score. Finding this information is difficult without a direct survey of the community, and would require a data pull.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Saint Stephen. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient convenience. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are likely to score higher in terms of accessibility and patient satisfaction. The availability of reliable internet connectivity is crucial for the successful implementation of telemedicine. Assessing the adoption rate requires surveying local practices and assessing the availability of infrastructure.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the 29479 ZIP code is a critical factor. Access to mental health services is often limited in rural areas, and the lack of resources can negatively impact the overall health score. Examining the presence of mental health clinics, the availability of telehealth options for mental health services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices are important considerations. Furthermore, assessing the availability of support groups, crisis intervention services, and mental health education programs can provide a more complete picture of the mental health landscape.

The overall health score for doctors in ZIP code 29479 and primary care availability in Saint Stephen is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the types of practices available, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall assessment. While the exact score cannot be determined without access to comprehensive data, the analysis highlights the key areas that need to be considered.

The rural nature of Saint Stephen likely presents challenges in terms of healthcare accessibility. The physician-to-patient ratio may be lower than in urban areas, potentially leading to longer wait times and increased travel distances. The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine doctors and internal medicine specialists, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. The adoption of telemedicine can help to mitigate some of the challenges associated with rural healthcare by expanding access to care and reducing travel burdens.

Mental health resources are an essential component of overall health, and their availability in Saint Stephen needs to be carefully assessed. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is critical for providing mental health services. The integration of mental health care into primary care practices and the availability of telehealth options can improve access to care.

The overall health score for Saint Stephen can be improved through various strategies. Recruiting and retaining healthcare providers, particularly primary care physicians and mental health professionals, is essential. Expanding telemedicine capabilities and improving internet connectivity can enhance access to care. Investing in mental health resources and integrating mental health care into primary care practices can improve the overall health of the community.

The assessment of the healthcare landscape in Saint Stephen is a dynamic process. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the community has access to high-quality healthcare services. The information provided in this analysis is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and a catalyst for positive change.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saint Stephen and visualize the data discussed, consider utilizing the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare resource distribution, and demographic data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze healthcare data in Saint Stephen and beyond.