28307, Fort Bragg, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28307, Fort Bragg, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 57.07 percent of the residents in 28307 has some form of health insurance. 3.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.95 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 28307 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28307. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 26 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,646 health care providers accessible to residents in 28307, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28307 and Primary Care Availability in Fort Bragg

This analysis delves into the landscape of arthritis care and primary care accessibility within ZIP code 28307, encompassing a portion of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment, considering factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all critical for patients managing arthritis and seeking comprehensive care.

Fort Bragg, a major military installation, significantly influences the healthcare environment in this area. The presence of a large military population and their dependents impacts demand and the types of services needed. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals with arthritis.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Accessibility:**

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental step. In areas like Fort Bragg, where a significant portion of the population is covered by the Department of Defense's TRICARE insurance, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a key indicator of healthcare access. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying referrals to specialists like rheumatologists who treat arthritis.

Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and local healthcare providers would be necessary to calculate accurate ratios. However, given the military presence, it's likely that the availability of PCPs within the military healthcare system (e.g., Womack Army Medical Center) plays a crucial role in the overall primary care landscape. The effectiveness of the military healthcare system in managing patient loads and providing timely access to care significantly influences the Arthritis Score.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the number of rheumatologists and PCPs accepting new patients, the availability of specialized services (e.g., infusion centers for biologic medications), and the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offering comprehensive arthritis management programs, and integrating mental health services would score higher.

Researching local physician directories, patient reviews, and healthcare provider websites is essential to identify these standout practices. Key indicators of quality include:

* **Board Certification:** The presence of board-certified rheumatologists and PCPs signifies a commitment to professional standards.
* **Experience:** The years of experience of the physicians within a practice can be an indicator of expertise.
* **Patient Reviews:** Patient testimonials provide valuable insights into the quality of care, patient-physician communication, and overall satisfaction.
* **Specialized Services:** Practices offering on-site diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and infusion services can streamline care and improve patient outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Component:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. It offers several advantages, including:

* **Increased Access:** Telemedicine can reduce geographic barriers, allowing patients in remote areas or with mobility limitations to access care.
* **Convenience:** Virtual appointments can save patients time and travel costs.
* **Improved Monitoring:** Telemedicine platforms can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence.

The Arthritis Score must consider the extent to which practices in 28307 have adopted telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring tools, and secure communication platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their care models would receive a higher score.

**Mental Health Resources: An Essential Element:**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Pain, disability, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into arthritis care is crucial.

The Arthritis Score must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the practices and in the broader community. This includes:

* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Practices that have psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists on staff or readily available through referral networks demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.
* **Collaboration:** The level of collaboration between rheumatologists, PCPs, and mental health professionals is critical.
* **Support Groups:** Access to arthritis support groups, either in-person or online, can provide patients with valuable emotional support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

Practices that recognize the link between physical and mental health and provide access to mental health resources will score higher.

**Overall Arthritis Score and Conclusion:**

Determining a precise Arthritis Score for this area requires comprehensive data collection and analysis. However, based on the factors discussed, a preliminary assessment can be made. The score would reflect the availability of PCPs and rheumatologists, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The presence of Fort Bragg and its military healthcare system adds complexity to the analysis. The ability of the military system to provide timely access to care, the availability of specialists, and the integration of mental health services within the military healthcare network are all critical factors.

The final Arthritis Score would be a valuable tool for patients seeking arthritis care in 28307. It would provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in 28307 and visualize the data discussed, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare environment, helping you understand the accessibility of care and make informed decisions.