29921, Furman, South Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 29921, Furman, South Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.30 percent of the residents in 29921 has some form of health insurance. 65.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.81 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 29921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 86 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29921. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 71 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 305 health care providers accessible to residents in 29921, Furman, South Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 29921 & Primary Care in Furman

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 29921 and specifically examining primary care availability in the town of Furman requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers several key indicators, including physician density, practice quality, technological integration, and the presence of mental health services. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific geographic area.

The initial consideration is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric, a cornerstone of healthcare access evaluation, provides a baseline understanding of the availability of medical professionals. Data from sources such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards would be crucial to determine the number of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers actively practicing within the 29921 ZIP code. This data would then be compared to the estimated population of the area to calculate the ratio. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care, while a higher ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving adequate medical attention. The specific ratio for 29921, compared against national and state averages, would be a critical factor in determining the overall health score.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and reputation of the medical practices within 29921 are paramount. This involves assessing factors like patient satisfaction, the range of services offered, and the adoption of modern medical practices. Online review platforms, such as Healthgrades and Zocdoc, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of individual practices. Examining the services offered is also important. Does the practice offer a comprehensive range of primary care services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals? The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as lab testing and imaging, further enhances the convenience and accessibility of care.

Technological integration is another vital component of a modern healthcare system. The adoption of telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and online patient portals significantly impacts the overall health score. Telemedicine, in particular, has become increasingly important, allowing patients to access medical consultations remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. The presence of EHRs ensures that patient medical information is readily available to providers, improving the coordination of care and reducing the risk of medical errors. Patient portals empower individuals to manage their health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with their providers, fostering a more engaged and informed patient population.

The availability of mental health resources is a critical aspect of overall health. Mental health concerns are prevalent, and the integration of mental healthcare into primary care settings is increasingly recognized as essential. The analysis would need to determine the availability of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the 29921 ZIP code. The presence of mental health services within primary care practices, as well as the ease of access to these services, would significantly impact the overall health score. Additionally, the existence of support groups, crisis hotlines, and other community resources for mental health would be considered.

Focusing specifically on primary care availability in Furman, a more granular analysis is needed. Furman's location, potentially in a more rural setting, could present unique challenges to healthcare access. The analysis would need to assess the number of primary care physicians practicing within Furman or within a reasonable commuting distance. The availability of transportation options for patients needing to travel to medical appointments would also be considered. The presence of any community health centers or other initiatives aimed at improving access to primary care in Furman would be a positive factor.

Identifying standout practices within the 29921 ZIP code would further refine the assessment. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in patient care, embrace technological innovation, and actively contribute to the health and well-being of the community. These practices might be recognized for their high patient satisfaction scores, their commitment to preventative care, or their successful integration of telemedicine. Highlighting these standout practices provides a positive benchmark for the area and encourages other practices to strive for similar levels of excellence.

The overall health score would be a composite measure, weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health resources would all contribute to the final score. The score could be presented on a scale, such as a 1-100 scale, with higher scores indicating a healthier healthcare environment. The score would provide a clear and concise summary of the health landscape within 29921 and the specific challenges and opportunities in Furman. This score would be a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

The final assessment would also consider any ongoing healthcare initiatives or programs within the 29921 area. These could include community health programs, public health campaigns, or partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving the health of the community and would be considered positive factors in the overall health score.

Ultimately, the 'Overall Health Score' for 29921 and primary care in Furman would be a dynamic assessment. It would be influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and it would require ongoing monitoring and evaluation. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and actionable understanding of the healthcare environment in this specific area, empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health.

For a deeper dive into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources within 29921 and Furman, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we invite you to explore the power of mapping. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into easily understandable visual representations.