Healthcare Access in Scotland County
An interactive analysis of key challenges in the NC Border Belt.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare is a complex issue. We can understand it better by looking at four key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing Scotland County in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
High poverty rates drive heavy reliance on public insurance. Scotland County has one of the highest Medicaid enrollment rates in the state, reflecting the critical role of the safety net.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Unlike some rural neighbors, Scotland County has a central hospital system. However, provider density remains low relative to the high burden of disease in the population.
Scotland Memorial Hospital serves as the healthcare hub for the region. While the county is not a complete "medical desert," the high volume of patients relative to the number of primary care providers creates bottlenecks for routine care.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Utilization metrics reveal a system under stress. The rate of preventable hospitalizations is significantly higher than the state average, and prenatal care access is a critical concern.
The Preventable Hospital Stays rate is alarmingly high—nearly double the state average. This suggests that many residents are delaying care until their conditions become emergencies. Furthermore, only 58% of pregnant women receive early prenatal care, ranking among the lowest in the state.
Pillar IV: Affordability
Beyond insurance premiums, the actual cost of care can be a significant barrier. Recent data suggests significant premium hikes are expected statewide, impacting local affordability.
Pillar V: Local Investment
This pillar tracks investments in community health. Scotland Health Care System actively invests in school-based initiatives to improve access for youth.