27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.17 percent of the residents in 27978 has some form of health insurance. 44.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.99 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 27978 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 67 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27978. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 364 health care providers accessible to residents in 27978, Stumpy Point, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27978 and Primary Care Availability in Stumpy Point

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly for individuals managing arthritis, within ZIP code 27978 (which encompasses Stumpy Point, North Carolina) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the physician landscape, focusing on primary care accessibility, and assess related resources crucial for arthritis management, such as telemedicine and mental health support. We will then formulate an "Arthritis Score" based on these factors.

The foundation of effective arthritis care often rests on the strength of the primary care network. In Stumpy Point, the primary care physician (PCP) availability significantly impacts the initial diagnosis, ongoing management, and referral pathways for arthritis patients. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Researching the specific ratio within 27978 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to determine the number of active PCPs and the population size, respectively.

Beyond the raw numbers, understanding the characteristics of the existing practices is crucial. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate the needs of individuals with chronic conditions? Do they have experience managing arthritis, and are they familiar with the latest treatment guidelines and therapies? Investigating the practice's patient reviews, available online, can provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication styles, and the overall quality of care.

Standout practices within the area deserve specific attention. A practice demonstrating a commitment to arthritis care might have a dedicated nurse or medical assistant specializing in chronic disease management. They might offer educational resources for patients, support groups, or partnerships with physical therapists or other specialists. A practice that proactively manages patient health records, utilizes electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, and offers patient portals for easy communication and access to medical information can significantly improve the patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, especially in rural areas like Stumpy Point. Telemedicine provides remote access to healthcare services, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Practices that embrace telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations can significantly improve access to care for arthritis patients. This includes the availability of virtual visits, secure messaging platforms, and remote monitoring tools.

The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact a patient's emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The availability of mental health resources within the local healthcare system is therefore crucial. Does the primary care practice have an in-house behavioral health specialist or a strong referral network to mental health professionals? Are there readily available resources for therapy, counseling, and support groups? The integration of mental health services into arthritis care is essential for holistic patient management.

To formulate an "Arthritis Score," we need to consider the following factors, each weighted based on its relative importance:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio (30%):** A favorable ratio (more doctors per capita) receives a higher score.
* **Practice Characteristics (25%):** This includes factors like patient acceptance, appointment availability, experience in arthritis management, and the use of EHRs.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (20%):** The availability and utilization of telemedicine services, including virtual visits and remote monitoring, contribute to the score.
* **Mental Health Resources (25%):** The presence of in-house or readily accessible mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and support groups, significantly impacts the score.

Each factor would be scored on a scale (e.g., 1-10), and the weighted scores would be summed to arrive at the final "Arthritis Score." For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio, a practice with excellent patient reviews and specialized arthritis care, robust telemedicine options, and easy access to mental health services would receive a high score. Conversely, a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited practice resources, a lack of telemedicine, and inadequate mental health support would result in a lower score.

Without specific data on the physician landscape in 27978, it is impossible to calculate a precise "Arthritis Score." However, the framework outlined provides a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the quality and accessibility of arthritis care. The process of gathering data, analyzing the physician landscape, and assessing the availability of supporting resources is essential for understanding the healthcare environment in Stumpy Point.

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing healthcare access and quality, particularly for a specific condition like arthritis. It emphasizes the importance of considering not just the number of physicians, but also the quality of care, the use of technology, and the availability of supporting resources. The "Arthritis Score" provides a valuable framework for evaluating the healthcare environment and identifying areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in 27978 and visualize the distribution of physicians, practices, and resources, consider utilizing interactive mapping tools. These tools can provide a visual representation of healthcare access, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the area.

**Click here to explore the healthcare landscape in 27978 with CartoChrome maps and gain a visual perspective on the availability of resources and services.**