28345, Hamlet, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28345, Hamlet, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.06 percent of the residents in 28345 has some form of health insurance. 47.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.05 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 28345 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,506 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28345. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,803 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,464 health care providers accessible to residents in 28345, Hamlet, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Hamlet, NC (ZIP Code 28345)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, within the Hamlet, North Carolina area, using ZIP code 28345 as the primary geographic identifier. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in comprehensive arthritis care.

The physician-to-patient ratio within 28345 is a critical starting point. Unfortunately, publicly available data on this specific ZIP code is often limited. However, we can extrapolate information from surrounding Richmond County and North Carolina averages. Richmond County, being a rural area, likely faces a shortage of primary care physicians compared to more urban centers. This scarcity translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for individuals experiencing arthritis symptoms. The state average, while providing a broader picture, doesn't fully capture the localized challenges. Further investigation into the specific number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code is necessary to provide a more precise assessment.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These are clinics or medical groups that demonstrate excellence in patient care, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like arthritis. While a comprehensive review of all practices within 28345 requires significant research, we can look for indicators of quality. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as those linked to larger regional hospitals, often have access to more resources, including specialists and advanced diagnostic tools. Patient reviews, though subjective, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate adherence to evidence-based guidelines for arthritis management are strong contenders for ‘standout’ status.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Assessing telemedicine adoption within 28345 involves determining which primary care practices offer telehealth services. The availability of these services can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those who struggle with transportation or have difficulty attending in-person appointments. The integration of telemedicine into arthritis care can lead to more frequent check-ins and proactive management of symptoms, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial aspect of arthritis care, often overlooked. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services within primary care practices is a critical factor. This includes access to therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists, either within the practice or through referral networks. Practices that prioritize mental health integration are better equipped to provide holistic care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with arthritis. The ability to seamlessly connect patients with mental health professionals is a significant advantage.

Further, the specific focus on arthritis care requires consideration of factors beyond general primary care. Are there rheumatologists or orthopedic specialists readily accessible within a reasonable distance? The proximity to specialists is crucial for timely diagnosis, specialized treatment, and ongoing management of arthritis. The ability to quickly access these specialists is a key element in a comprehensive care plan.

The availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services is also critical. These therapies play a crucial role in managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining independence for individuals with arthritis. The presence of these services, either within the primary care practice or through nearby referral networks, is a key factor in assessing the overall quality of arthritis care.

In addition to the above factors, the availability of patient education resources is important. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, or access to online resources empower patients to actively participate in their care. This includes information on arthritis management, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and self-management techniques.

The overall ‘Arthritis Score’ for Hamlet, NC (28345) would be a composite of these factors. It is important to note that this is a preliminary analysis. A more in-depth assessment would require gathering specific data from individual practices, patient surveys, and a comprehensive review of healthcare resources within the ZIP code. The score would reflect the availability, accessibility, and quality of care for individuals managing arthritis.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hamlet, NC, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to support services, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. This tool can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful assessment of the healthcare environment.