29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.81 percent of the residents in 29915 has some form of health insurance. 63.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.49 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 29915 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29915. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 169 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,539 health care providers accessible to residents in 29915, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

**Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29915 and Primary Care Availability in Daufuskie Island**

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the availability and quality of healthcare services within ZIP Code 29915, specifically focusing on primary care access for residents of Daufuskie Island. The evaluation incorporates various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and weakness.

Daufuskie Island, being a remote and geographically isolated community, presents unique challenges to healthcare delivery. Residents face significant hurdles in accessing medical care, primarily due to the limited number of physicians and specialists available on the island or in close proximity. The reliance on ferry transportation to the mainland for medical appointments adds to the time commitment and potential inconvenience, particularly during emergencies.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In ZIP Code 29915, the ratio likely varies depending on the specific location and the type of physician. However, given the rural nature of Daufuskie Island, it is probable that the ratio for primary care physicians is less favorable than in more populated areas. This means that each primary care physician in the area may be responsible for a larger number of patients, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and a reduced capacity for personalized care. Assessing this ratio requires accessing publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or similar sources, which can provide insights into physician supply relative to population size.

The presence of standout medical practices within the ZIP Code is another crucial factor. These practices often serve as beacons of quality care, offering a range of services and employing highly skilled medical professionals. Identifying these practices involves examining their reputations, patient reviews, and the breadth of services they offer. This includes assessing the availability of preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized medical services. Practices with advanced technology and a patient-centered approach typically receive higher ratings. However, due to the limited population on Daufuskie Island, the number of specialized practices may be minimal, necessitating reliance on mainland healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge the gap in access to care by enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely via video conferencing or phone calls. This is particularly beneficial for Daufuskie Island residents, as it reduces the need for travel to the mainland for routine appointments and consultations. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of telehealth services among local medical practices, the types of services offered, and the ease of use for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to receive higher scores in this analysis.

Mental health resources are a critical component of overall health and well-being. The availability of mental health services in ZIP Code 29915, especially on Daufuskie Island, is a key indicator of the community's health profile. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, as well as mental health support groups and crisis intervention services. The analysis assesses the accessibility of these resources, including the availability of appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the ability to provide culturally competent care. The limited population on Daufuskie Island may mean fewer mental health resources are directly available.

The overall health score is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors mentioned above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all considered. The score is then categorized to provide a clear indication of the healthcare landscape. A high score suggests a robust healthcare system with good access to care, while a low score indicates significant challenges.

For Daufuskie Island, the overall health score is likely to be lower than the average for more populated areas. The island's geographic isolation, limited physician supply, and potential challenges in accessing specialized care are factors that contribute to this. However, the adoption of telemedicine and the presence of outreach programs or partnerships with mainland healthcare providers can help to improve the score.

To improve the overall health score for Daufuskie Island, several strategies can be considered. One is to increase the number of primary care physicians and specialists serving the island. This can be achieved through incentives for physicians to practice in the area, such as loan forgiveness programs or housing assistance. Another is to expand the adoption of telemedicine. This includes providing training and support to both physicians and patients to facilitate the use of telehealth platforms. Furthermore, it is important to increase the availability of mental health resources. This can involve partnering with mainland mental health providers to offer remote counseling services or establishing a local mental health clinic.

The analysis also considers the socioeconomic factors that affect the health of the community. These include income levels, educational attainment, and access to healthy food and housing. These factors can have a significant impact on health outcomes, and addressing them is crucial to improving the overall health score.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29915 and, in particular, the primary care availability for residents of Daufuskie Island, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The overall health score reflects the accessibility and quality of healthcare services. Improving this score requires addressing the unique challenges of a remote community.

Would you like to visualize the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29915 and explore the data in a dynamic and interactive way? **Visit CartoChrome maps to explore the healthcare data and gain deeper insights.**