27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.22 percent of the residents in 27965 has some form of health insurance. 62.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.28 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 27965 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27965. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 27965, Poplar Branch, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Poplar Branch, NC (ZIP Code 27965)

Analyzing the arthritis care landscape in Poplar Branch, North Carolina (ZIP code 27965) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider not just the number of physicians, but also their specialties, the accessibility of care, and the availability of supporting resources, particularly in a rural setting. This analysis will provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, factoring in these crucial elements.

The cornerstone of arthritis care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Poplar Branch, being a relatively small community, likely experiences challenges in this area. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise figures require up-to-the-minute data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, we can infer some possibilities. A low physician-to-patient ratio – meaning fewer doctors per capita – would negatively impact the "Arthritis Score." Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Specialized care, particularly from rheumatologists, is essential for managing arthritis. The presence or absence of rheumatologists within ZIP code 27965 is a primary determinant of the "Arthritis Score." If rheumatologists are unavailable locally, patients must travel to larger towns or cities like Elizabeth City or Norfolk, Virginia, adding to the burden of care. This travel time and associated costs, including transportation and lost work hours, directly impact the accessibility of care and, therefore, the score.

The quality of primary care practices is also a factor. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate communication and care coordination? Practices with these features contribute positively to the "Arthritis Score." Practices employing nurse practitioners or physician assistants can improve access, potentially offsetting the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The "Arthritis Score" will reflect the availability of telemedicine consultations for both primary care and rheumatology. Telemedicine can reduce travel time, improve access to specialists, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score, indicating a more patient-centric approach.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in arthritis care, but they are crucial. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The "Arthritis Score" must consider the availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the community or easily accessible to residents. Practices that integrate mental health services or have referral pathways to mental health professionals will contribute positively to the score.

Another factor to consider is the availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These therapies are vital for managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining function in individuals with arthritis. The "Arthritis Score" will reflect the presence of these services within the community and their accessibility. Practices that offer or collaborate with physical and occupational therapists will receive a higher score.

Standout practices in the area, if any, could significantly influence the "Arthritis Score." Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care through specialized programs, patient education initiatives, or a focus on patient satisfaction would be crucial. These practices would serve as models for others and contribute positively to the overall score.

The "Arthritis Score" would also assess the availability of patient education resources. This includes information about arthritis types, treatment options, self-management strategies, and support groups. Practices that provide these resources, either directly or through referrals, will contribute positively to the score.

The presence of pharmacies and their accessibility is another important consideration. Patients with arthritis often require medications, and the ease of access to pharmacies, including those that offer mail-order prescriptions, will impact the "Arthritis Score."

The overall "Arthritis Score" for Poplar Branch (ZIP code 27965) would be a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate good access to primary care, specialized rheumatology services, telemedicine options, mental health resources, physical and occupational therapy, and patient education. A low score would indicate challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and a diminished quality of life for individuals with arthritis.

The analysis would also consider the availability of community resources, such as senior centers, support groups, and recreational programs that can help individuals with arthritis manage their condition and maintain an active lifestyle.

Furthermore, the "Arthritis Score" should be dynamic. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the arrival of new physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, or the opening of new clinics.

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" for Poplar Branch (ZIP code 27965) will likely be influenced by the rural setting. While challenges may exist regarding physician availability and specialized care, telemedicine and community resources could potentially mitigate some of these issues. Understanding the specific strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system is crucial for improving arthritis care in the area. The score serves as a starting point for identifying areas for improvement and advocating for better access to care for individuals with arthritis.

For a comprehensive, visually-driven analysis of physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources in Poplar Branch and surrounding areas, including detailed mapping of healthcare providers and accessibility metrics, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.