27356, Star, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27356, Star, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.46 percent of the residents in 27356 has some form of health insurance. 52.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.31 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 27356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 990 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27356. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 375 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 635 health care providers accessible to residents in 27356, Star, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Primary Care in Star, NC (ZIP Code 27356)

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care for individuals with arthritis in Star, North Carolina (ZIP code 27356) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, an "Arthritis Score," will consider factors crucial to effective arthritis management, including physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supportive mental health resources. We will explore these aspects to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for those living with arthritis in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any arthritis care system is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). A critical element of the Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Unfortunately, precise, up-to-the-minute data on physician distribution within a specific ZIP code is often challenging to obtain. However, publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the North Carolina Medical Board can provide insights into the overall physician density in the surrounding county (Montgomery County, where Star is located). A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors for a larger population, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of arthritis. This impacts the Arthritis Score negatively.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of practices available are important. Are there solo practices, larger group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer advantages, such as extended hours, access to a wider range of specialists, and potentially, more comprehensive care coordination. The presence of board-certified internists or family medicine physicians with a demonstrated interest in musculoskeletal health is a positive indicator, boosting the Arthritis Score. Conversely, a lack of diverse practice options or a reliance on practices with limited resources would lower the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its benefits for arthritis patients are significant. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms, reducing the need for in-person visits, especially for those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, would receive a higher Arthritis Score. Conversely, practices with limited or no telemedicine capabilities would score lower, as they may be less accessible to patients with arthritis.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain, functional limitations, and the emotional toll of living with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric support, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals, is crucial. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. The absence of these resources would negatively affect the Arthritis Score.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing the practice's commitment to patient education, and evaluating the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, actively involve patients in their care decisions, and offer educational resources on arthritis management would be highly regarded. The practices that are proactive in patient education and offer support groups or educational workshops would also receive higher scores.

Furthermore, the accessibility of specialists within a reasonable distance is a factor. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of arthritis management, access to rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists is often necessary for diagnosis, treatment, and advanced care. Proximity to these specialists and the ease of referral pathways are essential components of a high Arthritis Score. A lack of access to these specialists would negatively impact the score.

The overall Arthritis Score for primary care in Star, NC (27356) will be a composite measure. It will reflect the interplay of all these factors: physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource integration, and the availability of specialist care. A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is accessible, comprehensive, and supportive of individuals with arthritis. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed to enhance the quality of care for this vulnerable population.

This analysis, while providing a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Star, NC, is limited by the availability of data. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed practice-level information, patient surveys, and direct engagement with healthcare providers. However, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for evaluating the quality and accessibility of primary care for individuals with arthritis in this specific geographic area.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Star, NC (27356), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialists, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers advanced mapping and data visualization tools, enabling you to analyze healthcare data geographically and identify areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare ecosystem.