02715, Dighton, Massachusetts Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.24 percent of the residents in 02715 has some form of health insurance. 23.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.49 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 02715 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 706 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02715. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 685 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,917 health care providers accessible to residents in 02715, Dighton, Massachusetts.

This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians and their associated resources within ZIP code 02715, specifically considering factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis. The geographic scope centers on Dighton, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility and quality of care for arthritis patients. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive arthritis management.

The foundation of this assessment begins with physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Data from reliable sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and local medical societies, will be crucial in determining these ratios within the 02715 ZIP code. The analysis will compare the local physician-to-patient ratio to both state and national averages. A significantly higher ratio than the averages would negatively impact the Arthritis Score, while a lower ratio would positively influence it.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care physicians is paramount. This includes their experience and expertise in managing arthritis and their ability to effectively coordinate care with specialists, such as rheumatologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. The analysis will seek to identify "standout practices" within the area. This identification process will consider factors such as patient reviews, the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-ray, bloodwork), and the practice's overall commitment to patient education and support. Practices demonstrating a strong focus on arthritis management, as evidenced by these factors, would contribute positively to the Arthritis Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine offers significant benefits for arthritis patients, including reduced travel time, increased convenience, and improved access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or chronic pain. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in 02715 utilize telemedicine for appointments, medication management, and patient education. Practices that offer a robust telemedicine platform, including video consultations, secure messaging, and remote monitoring capabilities, will receive a higher score. The ease of access to these technologies, considering factors like digital literacy and access to reliable internet, will also be assessed.

The impact of arthritis extends beyond physical symptoms; mental health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Chronic pain, limitations in daily activities, and the potential for disability can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is a significant factor in this assessment. The analysis will examine whether primary care practices in 02715 offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric consultations. It will also evaluate the ease with which patients can access referrals to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices with strong mental health integration will contribute positively to the Arthritis Score.

The overall Arthritis Score will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be assigned a weight based on its impact on access to care. The presence of standout practices, as defined by the criteria mentioned earlier, will contribute significantly to the score. Telemedicine adoption will be evaluated based on the comprehensiveness of the platform and its accessibility. Finally, the availability of mental health resources will be given a substantial weight, recognizing the critical link between mental and physical health in arthritis management.

The methodology for gathering data will involve several approaches. Publicly available information, such as physician directories, practice websites, and insurance provider databases, will be used to gather basic information about practices in 02715. Patient reviews and online ratings will be analyzed to assess patient satisfaction and identify standout practices. Direct contact with primary care practices, through phone calls or questionnaires, will be necessary to ascertain their telemedicine capabilities and mental health resources. Data from government agencies and professional organizations will be used to determine physician-to-patient ratios and compare them to regional and national averages.

The final Arthritis Score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing a comprehensive overview of the primary care landscape in 02715. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology and the rationale behind the scoring system. The analysis will highlight specific practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to arthritis care, providing valuable information for patients seeking quality healthcare in the Dighton area. The goal is to empower individuals with arthritis to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for their needs within the existing healthcare system.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a snapshot of the current situation. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the availability of resources can change rapidly. The information provided should be considered as a starting point for further investigation and consultation with healthcare professionals. The Arthritis Score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts of primary care practices to improve the quality and accessibility of care for arthritis patients.

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in 02715, including practice locations, telemedicine availability, and mental health resource proximity, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual aid in understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and making informed decisions about your healthcare options.