28318, Autryville, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28318, Autryville, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.19 percent of the residents in 28318 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 65.21 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 28318 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 673 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28318. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 653 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,655 health care providers accessible to residents in 28318, Autryville, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Autryville, NC (ZIP Code 28318)

Analyzing the landscape of arthritis care within Autryville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28318) necessitates a multi-faceted approach, evaluating not just the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility, quality, and supporting resources available to patients. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," will consider factors crucial for effective arthritis management, ultimately offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of arthritis care is, of course, the availability of qualified physicians. In Autryville, the primary consideration is the presence of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to diagnose and manage arthritis, or, more importantly, to effectively refer patients to specialists. While the ZIP code itself may not house a significant number of specialists like rheumatologists, the proximity to larger medical centers in surrounding areas, such as Fayetteville, becomes a critical factor. The "Arthritis Score" must therefore account for the ease of access to these specialized services.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Autryville are a key indicator of accessibility. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is essential to calculate the ratio of PCPs to the overall population within the 28318 ZIP code. A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and potentially shorter wait times. Conversely, a lower ratio could signal a strain on the existing healthcare resources, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for arthritis sufferers. This ratio will be a significant factor in the overall score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care hinges on the practices themselves. Identifying standout practices within the area requires examining their patient reviews, accreditation status, and the range of services offered. Practices with a strong reputation for patient satisfaction, a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and a comprehensive approach to care – including physical therapy, pain management, and patient education – would contribute positively to the "Arthritis Score." This evaluation requires careful research into individual practice websites and online review platforms.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patient progress remotely, and provide ongoing support can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of frequent in-person visits. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring tools, and online patient portals, would receive a higher score. The "Arthritis Score" needs to reflect the availability and accessibility of these virtual care options.

Arthritis is a condition that can significantly impact mental health. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the overall impact on quality of life can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Autryville healthcare system is paramount. The "Arthritis Score" must evaluate the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and their ability to provide support to arthritis patients. This includes assessing the ease of access to mental health services, the integration of mental health care within primary care practices, and the availability of support groups or educational programs.

The effectiveness of arthritis management is also influenced by the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management specialists. The "Arthritis Score" should reflect the ease of access to these services, the quality of the therapists and specialists, and the integration of these services within the overall care plan. This includes evaluating the availability of specialized equipment and programs designed to address the specific needs of arthritis patients.

Furthermore, the "Arthritis Score" must take into account the availability of patient education and support resources. This includes access to educational materials, support groups, and community programs that can empower patients to manage their condition effectively. Practices that actively promote patient education, provide resources for self-management, and foster a supportive environment would receive a higher score. The availability of these resources is crucial for improving patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Assessing the "Arthritis Score" also requires evaluating the availability of pharmacy services. The ease of access to medications, the availability of specialty pharmacies that cater to arthritis patients, and the ability to obtain prescriptions quickly and efficiently are all important factors. Practices that work closely with pharmacies to ensure timely medication refills and provide medication management support would contribute positively to the score.

Finally, the overall "Arthritis Score" is not a static number, but rather a dynamic assessment that can change over time. Regular updates are necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the patient population. This requires ongoing monitoring of the healthcare landscape in Autryville and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of arthritis care in Autryville, NC. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and ancillary services, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Autryville, including physician locations, practice boundaries, and access to specialized services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.