29929, Islandton, South Carolina Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.95 percent of the residents in 29929 has some form of health insurance. 31.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.20 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 29929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 160 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29929 and Primary Care Availability in Islandton

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 29929, encompassing the Islandton area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis moves beyond simple metrics to provide a nuanced understanding of access, quality, and the overall health environment. The goal is to assess the health of the community and provide a clear picture of the resources available to its residents.

The first critical factor is physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased stress on existing medical professionals. Determining the precise ratio in 29929 necessitates data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). This data, when combined with population figures, provides a baseline understanding of access. If the ratio is unfavorable, it signals a need for initiatives to attract and retain physicians.

Beyond simple ratios, the type of physicians available matters. A shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) can be especially detrimental. PCPs serve as the gateway to the healthcare system, managing chronic conditions, providing preventative care, and coordinating specialist referrals. A scarcity of PCPs forces residents to rely on emergency rooms for non-emergency care, leading to increased costs and poorer health outcomes. The analysis must identify the number of PCPs practicing in the area, their specialties, and their acceptance of new patients.

A deeper dive into primary care availability requires assessing the operational characteristics of local practices. This involves evaluating appointment scheduling processes, including the availability of same-day or next-day appointments. Practices that offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, increase accessibility for working individuals. Furthermore, the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, is crucial for ensuring access for all residents.

Identifying standout practices within 29929 is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, efficiency, and community engagement. This assessment should consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores, measured through surveys or online reviews. Practices that consistently receive high marks for patient experience, communication, and overall care quality deserve recognition. Additionally, practices actively involved in community outreach programs, such as health screenings or educational initiatives, contribute significantly to the overall health of the community.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access, especially for residents in rural areas like Islandton. This analysis must identify the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technology platforms used. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach, provide convenient care, and reduce the burden on patients who face transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within 29929. This involves identifying the number of mental health providers, their specialties, and their acceptance of new patients. The analysis should also consider the availability of mental health support groups, counseling services, and crisis intervention resources. A lack of mental health resources can have a significant impact on the community's well-being.

The presence of specialized care facilities, such as urgent care centers and specialty clinics, also impacts the overall health score. Urgent care centers provide convenient access to care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, reducing the burden on emergency rooms. Specialty clinics, such as cardiology or dermatology clinics, offer specialized care closer to home, eliminating the need for residents to travel long distances. The analysis must identify the types of specialized care facilities available in the area and their operational characteristics.

Another factor to consider is the presence of community health initiatives. These initiatives, often led by local organizations or healthcare providers, aim to improve the health of the community through various programs and services. Examples include health education programs, chronic disease management programs, and outreach programs targeting specific populations. The analysis must identify the community health initiatives operating in 29929 and their impact on the community's health outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis should examine the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, within the community. This involves accessing data from DHEC or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the burden of chronic diseases. Identifying the prevalence of these diseases can help inform the development of targeted interventions and prevention programs.

The analysis must also consider the social determinants of health. These factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, and access to healthy food, significantly impact health outcomes. The analysis should examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the population in 29929, including income levels, educational attainment, and housing conditions. Understanding these factors can help identify disparities in health outcomes and inform the development of interventions to address them.

Finally, the analysis should assess the overall quality of healthcare services in 29929. This involves evaluating factors such as patient safety, the use of evidence-based practices, and the coordination of care. The analysis should consider data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the quality of care provided by local healthcare providers.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health of the community in ZIP Code 29929 and primary care availability in Islandton requires a comprehensive analysis. This analysis must consider physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialized care facilities, community health initiatives, chronic disease prevalence, social determinants of health, and the overall quality of healthcare services. This detailed assessment provides a critical foundation for understanding the health landscape and implementing strategies to improve the health and well-being of the community.

To visualize and understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data within 29929, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for gaining deeper insights into the health landscape and identifying areas for improvement.