28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.00 percent of the residents in 28312 has some form of health insurance. 43.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.15 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 28312 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,749 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28312. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,587 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,620 health care providers accessible to residents in 28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Fayetteville, NC (ZIP Code 28312) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care physicians within Fayetteville, North Carolina, specifically focusing on ZIP code 28312. The aim is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for patients managing arthritis, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. This score, though not a formal medical metric, aims to reflect the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals with arthritis within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of our assessment rests on primary care physician (PCP) availability. ZIP code 28312, encompassing a significant portion of Fayetteville, presents a moderate population density. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. While precise, real-time figures are challenging to obtain due to constant fluctuations in practice openings, closures, and patient demographics, we can estimate based on publicly available data and healthcare resource reports. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally signifies better access. We’ll consider the number of PCPs actively accepting new patients, the types of insurance accepted (crucial for access), and the average wait times for appointments.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes not only the diagnosis and management of arthritis but also a holistic approach. We look for practices that offer on-site services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to rheumatology specialists. A practice that integrates these services streamlines care, minimizing patient travel and improving coordination. The availability of these services within the primary care setting directly impacts the "Arthritis Score," reflecting the convenience and comprehensiveness of care.

Telemedicine adoption significantly impacts the "Arthritis Score." The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring, is invaluable for arthritis patients. Telemedicine reduces the burden of travel, particularly for those with mobility limitations. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, offering secure video consultations and remote patient monitoring tools, receive a higher score. We will assess the types of telemedicine services offered, their ease of use, and the availability of technical support for patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain, mobility limitations, and the overall impact of arthritis on daily life can significantly contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that recognize this and offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through readily accessible referrals, will score higher. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists specializing in chronic pain management and the psychological impact of chronic illnesses. The availability of support groups and educational programs further enhances the "Arthritis Score" by fostering a sense of community and providing valuable coping strategies.

Specific practices within ZIP code 28312 are assessed based on the criteria outlined above. While naming specific practices requires ongoing data collection and is beyond the scope of this general analysis, we can identify characteristics that contribute to a higher "Arthritis Score." Practices that prioritize patient education, offering resources on arthritis management, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care techniques, are considered favorably. Those with bilingual staff or interpreters cater to a diverse patient population, further enhancing accessibility.

The "Arthritis Score" is also influenced by the practice's responsiveness to patient needs. This includes the availability of after-hours care, the ease of contacting the practice for questions or concerns, and the efficiency of appointment scheduling. Practices that prioritize patient communication and provide clear, concise information contribute to a more positive patient experience and a higher score.

The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor. EHRs facilitate seamless communication between healthcare providers, ensuring that all relevant information is readily available to the care team. This is particularly important for arthritis patients who may require care from multiple specialists. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, allowing for efficient information sharing and coordination of care, will receive a higher score.

Furthermore, we consider the practice's commitment to continuous improvement. This includes participation in quality improvement initiatives, patient satisfaction surveys, and the ongoing training of staff. Practices that actively seek feedback from patients and use this feedback to improve their services demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for ZIP code 28312 reflects a complex interplay of these factors. While the availability of PCPs is the foundation, the quality of care is determined by the presence of comprehensive services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and a patient-centered approach. The "Arthritis Score" is dynamic and subject to change as practices evolve and new resources become available.

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" for primary care within ZIP code 28312 is a reflection of the accessibility, comprehensiveness, and quality of care available to individuals managing arthritis. By considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.

To gain a visual representation of the physician distribution, practice locations, and availability of resources within Fayetteville and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring interactive maps powered by CartoChrome. Their mapping tools provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility, allowing you to visualize the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.