06467, Milldale, Connecticut Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 06467, Milldale, Connecticut is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.50 percent of the residents in 06467 has some form of health insurance. 4.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 98.76 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 06467 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 116 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 40 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06467. An estimate of 12 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 15 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,824 health care providers accessible to residents in 06467, Milldale, Connecticut.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within ZIP code 06467 (Milldale, CT) and the surrounding area, specifically concerning primary care physician availability. The assessment uses an "Arthritis Score" framework, considering factors crucial for patients managing arthritis. This score is not a standardized metric but a composite evaluation reflecting the availability of key resources and services.

The first component of the Arthritis Score is **Physician Accessibility**. This weighs the physician-to-patient ratio in the area. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians for the population, negatively impacts the score. Conversely, a higher ratio, suggesting greater access, improves the score. In Milldale, the primary care physician (PCP) availability is the initial point of contact for many arthritis patients. Data regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 06467 is difficult to obtain with precision. However, publicly available data, such as that from the US Department of Health & Human Services, provides general estimates for the county (Hartford County) and state (Connecticut). This data is then used to infer the potential accessibility within Milldale. The analysis considers the presence of larger medical groups and their potential to serve a broader patient base, influencing the overall score.

The second component is **Specialist Availability**. While PCPs are the initial point of contact, rheumatologists are the specialists who diagnose and manage arthritis. The Arthritis Score considers the proximity and availability of rheumatologists. The score decreases if patients must travel long distances or face lengthy wait times to see a rheumatologist. Examining the local and regional healthcare landscape, the analysis considers the presence of rheumatology practices in neighboring towns and cities, and the potential for referrals from local PCPs. The ease of access to these specialists significantly impacts the overall score.

The third component focuses on **Practice Quality and Reputation**. This assesses the reputation of local practices. This is done by analyzing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. The analysis looks for common themes in reviews, such as physician communication, wait times, and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews and a strong reputation for patient care contribute to a higher score. Conversely, practices with negative feedback related to arthritis management or patient experience negatively affect the score. The presence of board-certified physicians and participation in quality improvement programs are also considered.

The fourth component considers **Telemedicine Adoption**. The Arthritis Score gives weight to the availability of telemedicine services. Telemedicine offers convenience, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals receive a higher score. The analysis explores which practices in the area have embraced telemedicine and the types of services they offer. The score is negatively impacted by the lack of telemedicine options, as it limits access to care.

The fifth component evaluates **Mental Health Resources**. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, within the local healthcare system. The score is higher if practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals. The analysis examines the presence of behavioral health specialists within the medical practices or in the surrounding community. The availability of support groups and educational resources for managing the psychological aspects of arthritis is also considered.

The sixth component focuses on **Ancillary Services and Support**. The Arthritis Score assesses the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pharmacy services. The score is higher if these services are readily accessible within the local healthcare system or nearby. The analysis considers the proximity of physical therapy clinics, pharmacies specializing in arthritis medications, and other supportive services. The availability of these services contributes to a more comprehensive approach to arthritis management.

The seventh component considers **Insurance Acceptance and Affordability**. The Arthritis Score takes into account the acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices. The score is negatively impacted if practices have limited insurance coverage, which can restrict access to care for many patients. The analysis examines the insurance plans accepted by local physicians and the availability of financial assistance programs. The affordability of medications and other treatments is also considered.

The final component is **Community Resources and Support**. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and patient advocacy organizations. The score is higher if these resources are readily accessible to patients. The analysis explores the presence of local arthritis support groups, educational workshops, and patient advocacy organizations. The availability of these resources contributes to a more comprehensive approach to arthritis management.

Based on the available data and the above-mentioned criteria, the overall Arthritis Score for the area of Milldale (ZIP code 06467) is estimated to be moderate. While the area likely has access to primary care physicians, the availability of rheumatologists may be a limiting factor. The presence of larger medical groups and the potential for referrals from local PCPs may mitigate this issue. Telemedicine adoption appears to be growing, but its widespread use may still be limited. The availability of mental health resources and ancillary services could be improved. Further research, including direct outreach to local practices, would be needed to refine the score.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Milldale and surrounding areas, including physician locations, access to specialists, and the availability of ancillary services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the area's healthcare accessibility.