28347, Hoffman, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28347, Hoffman, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 49.44 percent of the residents in 28347 has some form of health insurance. 22.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.21 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 28347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 310 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,282 health care providers accessible to residents in 28347, Hoffman, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Hoffman, NC (ZIP Code 28347)**

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care and related resources for individuals managing arthritis in Hoffman, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28347) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The first critical factor is physician-to-patient ratio. Hoffman, a small rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a limited number of primary care physicians compared to the overall population. A low physician-to-patient ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment for conditions like arthritis. Determining the exact ratio necessitates accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, cross-referencing physician counts with the population of ZIP Code 28347. This data, however, is constantly changing.

Identifying standout practices within Hoffman and its surrounding areas is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, offer specialized services, or have a strong reputation within the community. Assessing this requires gathering information from various sources. Online reviews from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. The practices’ websites should be evaluated to determine if they offer arthritis-specific care, such as rheumatology referrals or physical therapy. Furthermore, local community resources, such as the Richmond County Health Department, can offer information about practices known for their commitment to quality care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another vital consideration. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. For individuals with arthritis, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists. This can reduce the need for travel, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves examining the websites of local practices to see if they offer virtual appointments, telehealth platforms, or remote monitoring services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an essential component of arthritis care. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic condition can significantly impact mental well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns that can arise from arthritis. Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves investigating the presence of mental health providers in the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. It also involves determining if local primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have referral networks to mental health specialists.

Based on the information gathered from these various sources, an "Arthritis Score" can be developed. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Hoffman, NC. The score could be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing poor access to care and 10 representing excellent access to care. The score would be determined by weighing the various factors discussed above. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a standout practice with telemedicine capabilities and integrated mental health services would positively impact the score.

The challenges faced by Hoffman, NC, in providing arthritis care are typical of many rural communities. Limited resources, a small population, and geographic isolation can create barriers to accessing quality healthcare. However, it is important to note that improvements are constantly being made.

To improve the Arthritis Score for Hoffman, several steps can be taken. Increasing the number of primary care physicians, particularly those with experience in rheumatology or musculoskeletal care, would be beneficial. Promoting the adoption of telemedicine among local practices would also enhance access to care, especially for those living in remote areas. Strengthening partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers would ensure that patients have access to comprehensive care. Finally, educating the community about arthritis and the resources available to manage the condition would empower individuals to take control of their health.

The creation of a detailed map, visualizing the healthcare landscape in and around Hoffman, NC, can be extremely valuable. Such a map could display the locations of primary care practices, rheumatologists, physical therapists, mental health providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources. The map could also include information about physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine availability, and patient reviews. A map would be an invaluable tool for individuals with arthritis, allowing them to easily identify and access the resources they need.

This analysis provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape in Hoffman, NC, and its impact on arthritis care. A more in-depth analysis would require extensive data collection and analysis. However, this assessment provides a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in providing quality arthritis care in this rural community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Hoffman, NC, and visualize the data discussed, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s mapping solutions can provide a comprehensive and visually engaging representation of the healthcare resources available in the area.