27524, Four Oaks, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27524, Four Oaks, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.44 percent of the residents in 27524 has some form of health insurance. 41.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.87 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 27524 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,790 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27524. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,627 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,180 health care providers accessible to residents in 27524, Four Oaks, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score: An Analysis of Primary Care in Four Oaks (ZIP Code 27524)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) in the Four Oaks, North Carolina area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 27524. The score considers factors relevant to arthritis patients, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. This assessment aims to offer a practical overview for individuals seeking primary care with a focus on the needs of those managing arthritis.

The foundation of a good Arthritis Score begins with access to a PCP. The physician-to-patient ratio in Four Oaks is a critical factor. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data on the number of practicing PCPs within the 27524 ZIP code and comparing it to the population. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care, impacting the Arthritis Score negatively. Conversely, a lower ratio, suggesting greater availability, positively influences the score. This analysis will assume an average physician-to-patient ratio for this area, but the actual ratio would be crucial for a more precise assessment.

Beyond simple availability, the type and characteristics of the primary care practices are important. Are there solo practitioners, or larger group practices? Group practices often offer the advantage of covering more hours and providing a broader range of services. The presence of on-site specialists, such as rheumatologists or physical therapists, is a significant advantage for arthritis patients. Such integrated care significantly improves the Arthritis Score by streamlining the process of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Practices with established relationships with local specialists are also highly valued.

Standout practices are those that go above and beyond standard primary care. This could include practices that specialize in chronic disease management, offer comprehensive patient education programs, or have dedicated staff trained in arthritis care. The Arthritis Score would be boosted for practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to arthritis. Practices that prioritize patient communication and offer clear, accessible information about arthritis management also score well.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The ability to have virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and general health advice significantly improves the Arthritis Score. Practices that offer secure online portals for communication, prescription refills, and access to medical records are also highly regarded. The ease of access to care through telemedicine is a critical factor in managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

The impact of mental health on arthritis management cannot be overstated. Chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is crucial. Practices that have on-site therapists, or strong referral networks for mental health services, receive a higher Arthritis Score. The integration of mental health support into the overall care plan is essential for holistic arthritis management.

The Arthritis Score considers the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs), laboratory services, and physical therapy. Practices that offer these services on-site, or have strong partnerships with nearby providers, improve the Arthritis Score. The convenience of having these services readily available reduces the burden on patients and allows for more efficient care.

Another factor considered is the practice's approach to patient education. Does the practice offer educational materials about arthritis, including information on medications, lifestyle modifications, and self-management techniques? Practices that actively promote patient education and self-management skills receive a higher Arthritis Score. Empowering patients to take an active role in their care is crucial for successful arthritis management.

The Arthritis Score also takes into account the practice's commitment to preventative care. This includes offering vaccinations, screenings for other health conditions, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Practices that prioritize preventative care help patients stay healthy and avoid complications, which can indirectly benefit arthritis patients.

The responsiveness of the practice to patient needs is another important factor. This includes the ease of scheduling appointments, the availability of after-hours care, and the promptness of responses to patient inquiries. Practices that are responsive and accessible to patients receive a higher Arthritis Score.

Finally, the Arthritis Score considers patient reviews and feedback. Online reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those mentioning arthritis-specific care, receive a higher score. Patient feedback is a crucial indicator of the quality of care provided.

In summary, the Arthritis Score for primary care in Four Oaks, NC (27524) is a complex assessment that considers multiple factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of on-site specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient reviews are all critical components. A high Arthritis Score indicates a practice that is well-equipped to meet the needs of arthritis patients. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed assessment would require specific data on each practice within the ZIP code.

To visualize and understand the geographical distribution of these primary care resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you identify practices, map their services, and analyze the accessibility of care within the Four Oaks area.