27979, Sunbury, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.18 percent of the residents in 27979 has some form of health insurance. 37.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.09 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 27979 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27979. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 152 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 31 health care providers accessible to residents in 27979, Sunbury, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score: A Deep Dive into Primary Care and Arthritis Management in Sunbury, NC (ZIP Code 27979)

Sunbury, North Carolina, nestled in Perquimans County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing arthritis. This analysis aims to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) in ZIP code 27979, with a specific focus on their capacity to address the needs of arthritis patients. This score will encompass physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective arthritis management lies in strong primary care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnosis, treatment, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists. Therefore, the availability and quality of PCPs are paramount. In Sunbury, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Researching the current ratio in 27979 is the first step in understanding the overall accessibility of care. This research includes an examination of the number of practicing PCPs within the zip code and the population served.

Beyond raw numbers, the "Arthritis Score" must assess the quality of available practices. This involves looking at factors like the experience of the physicians, the range of services offered, and the patient satisfaction levels. Identifying any standout practices, those known for their commitment to patient care and specialized knowledge in musculoskeletal conditions, is crucial. These practices might have physicians with specific training in arthritis management or offer comprehensive services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to diagnostic imaging. Reviews from patients, readily available online, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including wait times, communication, and the overall satisfaction with the care provided.

Telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. It offers convenient access to care, reduces travel burdens, and can facilitate regular check-ins and medication management. The "Arthritis Score" must evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Sunbury. Are virtual appointments offered? Do physicians use remote monitoring technologies to track patient progress? The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who may have mobility issues or live in rural areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine is a key indicator of a practice's willingness to adapt to the needs of its patients.

Arthritis can significantly impact mental health. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the challenges of managing a long-term condition can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care is a critical component of comprehensive arthritis management. The "Arthritis Score" must assess the availability of these resources. Do the PCPs have mental health professionals on staff, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Do they screen patients for mental health concerns? The presence of these resources is vital for providing holistic care and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with arthritis.

Further considerations include the availability of ancillary services. Access to physical therapy and occupational therapy is essential for managing arthritis symptoms and improving quality of life. The "Arthritis Score" will evaluate the proximity and availability of these services. Are there physical therapy clinics located within the zip code or nearby? Are there occupational therapists who specialize in arthritis management? The availability of these ancillary services is a key determinant of the quality of care.

The "Arthritis Score" will also consider the availability of educational resources. Do the PCPs provide patients with information about arthritis, including self-management techniques, medication information, and lifestyle modifications? Do they offer support groups or educational programs? Patient education is critical for empowering individuals to take an active role in their care.

The accessibility of prescription medications is another important factor. The "Arthritis Score" will assess the proximity of pharmacies and the ease with which patients can obtain their medications. The availability of affordable medications is also a key consideration.

Finally, the "Arthritis Score" will consider the overall infrastructure of the healthcare system in Sunbury. This includes the availability of diagnostic imaging services, such as X-rays and MRIs, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. It also includes the presence of a local hospital or medical center that can provide emergency care and specialized services.

The process of compiling the "Arthritis Score" involves gathering data from various sources. This includes online physician directories, patient reviews, healthcare provider websites, and public health data. The data is then analyzed to assess the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of ancillary services. The resulting score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Sunbury, NC, with a specific focus on arthritis management.

The findings of this analysis will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 27979. The score will provide valuable information for individuals living with arthritis, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of this data and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sunbury, NC, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for mapping and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to visualize physician locations, access to care, and other relevant information. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a more comprehensive view of healthcare access in your community.