27915, Avon, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27915, Avon, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.22 percent of the residents in 27915 has some form of health insurance. 46.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.68 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 27915 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 19 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27915. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 148 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 22 health care providers accessible to residents in 27915, Avon, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27915 and Primary Care Availability in Avon

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, within ZIP code 27915 (which encompasses Avon, North Carolina) and its surrounding areas. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" analysis, evaluating the landscape of healthcare access, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources – all crucial for effective arthritis management.

The foundation of this analysis lies in understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with arthritis. These conditions often require ongoing care, including regular appointments, medication management, and potential referrals to specialists like rheumatologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists. Furthermore, the chronic nature of arthritis can significantly impact mental health, making access to mental health resources a critical component of comprehensive care.

A significant factor in assessing healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a geographically isolated area like Avon, a low ratio can present a major hurdle. This means a limited number of primary care physicians are available to serve a potentially large population. The impact is felt in longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decreased ability to establish a strong doctor-patient relationship. This is especially critical for arthritis patients who need a consistent point of contact for their care. The analysis must identify the approximate ratio and compare it to regional and national averages to gauge the severity of this issue.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These practices may excel in providing patient-centered care, demonstrating a commitment to arthritis management, and incorporating best practices. A key indicator is the availability of comprehensive care, including the ability to coordinate referrals to specialists. A practice that offers on-site physical therapy or has established relationships with rheumatologists would score higher. The analysis must investigate the patient satisfaction scores, online reviews, and any specific programs or initiatives aimed at arthritis patients.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in improving access to care, particularly in a rural setting. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, especially for those with mobility limitations. The analysis should determine which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, medication refills), and the technology platforms used. The ease of use and the availability of technical support for patients are also important factors.

The often-overlooked aspect of arthritis management is mental health. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is essential. The analysis must investigate whether practices offer on-site mental health services, have established partnerships with mental health professionals, or routinely screen patients for mental health concerns.

The "Arthritis Score" for a practice or the overall area will be a composite measure based on these factors. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration – will be assigned a weighted value. A higher score indicates better access to and quality of care for individuals with arthritis.

The analysis will begin by examining the publicly available data, including physician directories, insurance provider networks, and hospital websites. This will provide information on the number of primary care physicians in the area, the services they offer, and their affiliations. The analysis will then delve into online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites to identify standout practices and assess patient satisfaction.

Further investigation will involve contacting local practices to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities, mental health services, and arthritis-specific programs. This direct engagement will provide valuable insights into the actual practices and the level of care they provide.

The final "Arthritis Score" will be presented as a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27915. This score will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the area's primary care system in relation to arthritis management. It will also identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the demographics of the area, including the age distribution of the population and the prevalence of arthritis. This demographic data will help to contextualize the findings and tailor recommendations for improving care.

The report will also consider the geographical challenges of the area. Avon, as part of the Outer Banks, is geographically isolated, which means that access to healthcare can be challenging. The analysis will consider the distance patients must travel to access primary care services and the availability of transportation options.

The goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Avon, North Carolina, and to offer actionable recommendations for improving care for individuals with arthritis. This analysis will serve as a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis will also consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and delivery. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and highlighted the importance of mental health services. The analysis will assess how local practices have adapted to the pandemic and how they are addressing the evolving needs of their patients.

Finally, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 27915, specifically focusing on the needs of individuals managing arthritis. The findings will be presented in a clear and accessible format, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.

This analysis is designed to be a starting point for further investigation and action. The information provided should encourage patients to actively engage in their healthcare, seek out the best possible care, and advocate for improvements in the healthcare system.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Avon, North Carolina, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and other relevant healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide a detailed and geographically-informed perspective on the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in the area.