27814, Blounts Creek, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27814, Blounts Creek, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.29 percent of the residents in 27814 has some form of health insurance. 48.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.86 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 27814 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 253 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27814. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 419 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 249 health care providers accessible to residents in 27814, Blounts Creek, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 27814 & Primary Care in Blounts Creek

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly concerning arthritis management, within ZIP code 27814 (likely encompassing the town of Aurora, North Carolina and surrounding areas) and the primary care landscape in Blounts Creek presents a complex challenge. Direct, quantifiable data on an "Arthritis Score" for individual doctors is rarely publicly available. Instead, we must infer the quality of arthritis care through available metrics, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and the presence of supportive resources. This analysis will focus on these proxy measures to provide a comprehensive overview.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment for conditions like arthritis. Unfortunately, specific physician-to-patient ratios for individual ZIP codes are often difficult to obtain. However, publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services can provide broader insights into physician shortages within Beaufort County, where 27814 is located. Any identified shortages would immediately impact the availability of primary care physicians, which would then impact the availability of arthritis specialists.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a vital role in arthritis management. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain and stiffness. They can perform initial assessments, order diagnostic tests, and provide basic treatment options. Moreover, PCPs are essential for coordinating care with rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists. The availability of PCPs in Blounts Creek is, therefore, a critical factor in determining the accessibility of arthritis care for residents.

The structure and characteristics of medical practices within 27814 and serving Blounts Creek offer further insights. Larger practices, particularly those with multiple specialists, often have greater resources and a wider range of services. These practices might have on-site X-ray facilities, physical therapy departments, and access to a broader network of specialists. Smaller, independent practices may offer more personalized care, but they may have limited resources or access to specialized equipment. Identifying practices that prioritize patient education and offer support groups or educational materials on arthritis management would also be a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management, would likely score higher on an “Arthritis Score” proxy. This is particularly relevant for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited transportation options, like Blounts Creek.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. The pain, limitations, and lifestyle changes associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being. Practices that offer access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This includes providing access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups. The presence of such resources would be a significant positive factor in assessing the quality of care.

Specific standout practices within 27814 and serving Blounts Creek are difficult to identify without direct patient reviews or detailed practice profiles. However, researching practices that are part of larger healthcare systems, such as Vidant Health or UNC Health Care, might offer some advantages. These systems often have greater resources, access to specialists, and a commitment to quality improvement initiatives. Investigating online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites could provide additional insights into the quality of care offered by specific providers.

The availability of physical therapy services is another crucial factor in arthritis management. Physical therapists can help patients improve their range of motion, strength, and mobility, and they can also provide education on proper posture and joint protection techniques. Practices that have on-site physical therapy departments or strong referral relationships with local physical therapists would likely provide better care for arthritis patients.

Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is becoming increasingly important. EHRs allow doctors to access patient information more easily, coordinate care more effectively, and track patient progress over time. Practices that have implemented EHRs are generally better equipped to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.

Medication management is another critical aspect of arthritis treatment. Practices that have pharmacists on staff or have strong relationships with local pharmacies can help patients manage their medications more effectively. This includes providing education on medication side effects, monitoring patient adherence to medication regimens, and coordinating refills.

Finally, the presence of patient education materials is a positive indicator. Practices that provide patients with information on arthritis management, including brochures, websites, or educational videos, demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to take an active role in their care.

In conclusion, assessing the “Arthritis Score” for doctors in 27814 and primary care availability in Blounts Creek requires a multifaceted approach. While direct scoring is unavailable, analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of supporting services provides valuable insights into the quality of care. The ability to locate and analyze these factors will ultimately determine the “Arthritis Score” proxy.

To gain a visual understanding of healthcare resources and physician locations in 27814 and Blounts Creek, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare providers, potentially revealing patterns and gaps in access to care.