27890, Weldon, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27890, Weldon, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.20 percent of the residents in 27890 has some form of health insurance. 48.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.43 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 27890 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 697 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27890. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 347 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 383 health care providers accessible to residents in 27890, Weldon, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27890 & Primary Care in Weldon

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning arthritis care, within ZIP Code 27890 (likely referring to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina) and the primary care landscape in Weldon, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into key metrics including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately constructing an "Arthritis Score" framework to gauge the overall suitability of the area for individuals managing arthritis.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the understanding that arthritis management is complex, often requiring a team-based approach involving primary care physicians (PCPs), rheumatologists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals. Therefore, the "Arthritis Score" will consider the availability and accessibility of each of these components within the specified geographic areas.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:** A critical starting point is assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides an initial indication of the potential workload burden on existing providers. A high ratio (more patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for arthritis sufferers. Data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and state medical boards will be crucial in determining the number of PCPs and rheumatologists practicing within ZIP Code 27890 and the broader Halifax County, where Weldon is located. The national average for physician-to-patient ratios serves as a benchmark. Deviations from this average will influence the "Arthritis Score."

**Primary Care Availability in Weldon:** Focusing on Weldon, the availability of primary care is paramount. A robust primary care network acts as the gateway to specialized care. Factors influencing the "Arthritis Score" here include the number of PCPs actively practicing in Weldon, the types of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative care), and the accessibility of appointments (e.g., same-day appointments, extended hours). Furthermore, the acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, significantly impacts accessibility for a large portion of the population, especially those over 65, a demographic often affected by arthritis.

**Practice Specializations & Standout Practices:** Beyond the raw numbers, the specializations of the physicians within ZIP Code 27890 and Weldon are crucial. While PCPs are the first line of defense, the presence of rheumatologists is vital for diagnosis and specialized treatment of arthritis. The "Arthritis Score" will consider the number of rheumatologists practicing in the area, their specific expertise (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis), and their affiliations with hospitals or clinics. Identifying "standout practices" – those recognized for their quality of care, patient satisfaction, and innovative approaches to arthritis management – will also contribute to the score. This would involve reviewing patient testimonials, online reviews, and any awards or recognitions received by local practices.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** The integration of telemedicine significantly impacts healthcare accessibility, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The "Arthritis Score" will evaluate the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and providing access to educational resources online. Practices offering telemedicine options will receive a higher score, as this expands access to care and reduces the burden of travel for patients.

**Mental Health Resources:** The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and disability can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within ZIP Code 27890 and Weldon is a critical component of the "Arthritis Score." This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in chronic pain management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their arthritis care plans will receive a higher score, reflecting a more holistic approach to patient well-being.

**Specific Considerations for ZIP Code 27890:** In addition to the general metrics, the "Arthritis Score" will consider any unique characteristics of ZIP Code 27890. This includes the demographics of the population, the prevalence of arthritis, and any specific challenges related to healthcare access in the area. For example, if a significant portion of the population is elderly, the score will place a greater emphasis on the availability of geriatric specialists and services tailored to the needs of older adults.

**Data Sources and Methodology:** The "Arthritis Score" will be based on a combination of publicly available data, including information from the North Carolina Medical Board, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the US Census Bureau. Patient reviews and testimonials will be incorporated to assess patient satisfaction and the quality of care. The data will be analyzed using a weighted scoring system, with each metric assigned a weight based on its importance to arthritis management.

**Concluding Remarks:** The "Arthritis Score" will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 27890 and Weldon, focusing on the specific needs of individuals managing arthritis. The score will reflect the availability of physicians, the integration of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care. This information can be invaluable for individuals seeking arthritis care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to enhance healthcare access in the region.

**Explore the Healthcare Landscape Visually:** Want to visualize the data and explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 27890 and surrounding areas? CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to interact with this information, allowing you to pinpoint physician locations, analyze access to care, and identify areas with the greatest needs. Visit CartoChrome today to discover how you can use interactive maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your health.