28086, Kings Mountain, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28086, Kings Mountain, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.10 percent of the residents in 28086 has some form of health insurance. 41.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.35 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 28086 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,123 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28086. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,396 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,447 health care providers accessible to residents in 28086, Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Kings Mountain, NC (ZIP Code 28086)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care within Kings Mountain, North Carolina (ZIP code 28086) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," considers factors beyond simple physician counts. It delves into physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis management.

The initial assessment involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board can be used to determine the population of Kings Mountain and the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists practicing within the 28086 ZIP code. A low ratio of physicians to patients, particularly rheumatologists, suggests potential access challenges for arthritis sufferers. This impacts timely diagnosis, treatment initiation, and ongoing disease management.

Beyond raw numbers, the specialization of available physicians is critical. While PCPs often serve as the first point of contact, rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The presence of board-certified rheumatologists within the area is a significant positive indicator for the Arthritis Score. Their expertise ensures patients receive specialized care, including access to advanced diagnostic tools and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The absence of local rheumatologists necessitates referrals to specialists outside the immediate area, potentially increasing travel time and impacting patient convenience.

Identifying standout practices is also essential. This requires investigating the reputations of existing clinics and medical groups. This involves looking at online reviews, patient testimonials, and information on the types of services offered. Practices that offer comprehensive arthritis care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to on-site imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs), would likely receive a higher score. Practices that participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis treatments could also be considered highly rated.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in today’s healthcare landscape, especially for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The Arthritis Score should consider the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine consultations. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and follow-up appointments, enhancing patient convenience and potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine into their arthritis care models would be favorably assessed.

The often-overlooked aspect of arthritis management is the integration of mental health resources. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact a patient’s mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The Arthritis Score must assess the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, within the medical practices or the broader community. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals or offer integrated mental health services would receive a higher rating. This holistic approach to care acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Furthermore, an analysis of insurance acceptance is critical. The Arthritis Score should factor in the types of insurance plans accepted by local practices. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, ensure access to care for a broader segment of the population. Limited insurance acceptance can create barriers to care, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions or limited financial resources.

The assessment of primary care availability is also vital. PCPs play a critical role in the initial diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and overall health management of arthritis patients. The Arthritis Score should consider the availability of PCPs within the 28086 ZIP code, including their accessibility (e.g., appointment wait times) and their familiarity with arthritis management. A strong primary care foundation supports a more coordinated and effective approach to arthritis care.

The analysis extends to considering the availability of support services. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient education programs. These services are essential for managing pain, improving mobility, and empowering patients to actively participate in their care. Practices that offer these services on-site or have established referral networks would be viewed favorably.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for Kings Mountain (28086) is a complex metric. It is not simply a count of doctors but a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem supporting arthritis patients. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of support services, and insurance acceptance. A high score indicates a well-resourced and patient-centered approach to arthritis care, while a low score highlights areas needing improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kings Mountain and visualize the locations of healthcare providers, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more informed assessment of access and availability.