28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.15 percent of the residents in 28357 has some form of health insurance. 51.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.75 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 28357 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 525 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28357. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 388 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,765 health care providers accessible to residents in 28357, Lumber Bridge, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Lumber Bridge, NC (ZIP Code 28357)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Lumber Bridge, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28357) requires a nuanced understanding of primary care availability and the resources available to individuals managing arthritis. This analysis will assess the quality of care, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Arthritis Score" assessment.

The foundation of arthritis care often rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Lumber Bridge, the accessibility of these crucial providers is paramount. A low physician-to-patient ratio would indicate a shortage of accessible primary care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and ultimately, a lower Arthritis Score. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater ease of access to routine check-ups, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of arthritis symptoms. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside publicly available information from healthcare directories, would be essential in determining this ratio.

Evaluating "standout practices" necessitates a deeper dive into the specific practices within the ZIP code. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to arthritis care involves examining their patient reviews, the presence of specialized equipment (e.g., ultrasound for joint injections), and the availability of on-site physical therapy or occupational therapy services. Practices actively participating in continuing medical education (CME) related to rheumatology and pain management would also score favorably. Further, the inclusion of patient education materials and support groups would indicate a practice dedicated to holistic patient care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly significant, particularly for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online access to medical records would receive a higher Arthritis Score. Telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent communication between patients and their healthcare providers, particularly beneficial for those with mobility limitations. The presence of dedicated telemedicine platforms and the availability of technical support for patients are also important considerations.

The often-overlooked aspect of arthritis management is the integration of mental health resources. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer on-site mental health services, or actively refer patients to mental health professionals, would contribute to a higher Arthritis Score. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing resources for coping with chronic pain, and fostering a supportive environment for patients.

Assessing the Arthritis Score for the physicians in Lumber Bridge requires a comprehensive evaluation of these factors. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability of primary care, the quality of individual practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for individuals managing arthritis, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

Specific practices within the ZIP code would be individually assessed. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, excellent patient reviews, a dedicated physical therapy department, and a robust telemedicine platform would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited availability, few specialized resources, and no telemedicine options would receive a lower score. Publicly available data, such as Medicare and Medicaid data, could provide insights into the quality of care provided by each practice.

The overall primary care availability in Lumber Bridge is a crucial determinant of the Arthritis Score. If the area suffers from a shortage of PCPs, the score will be negatively impacted, regardless of the quality of individual practices. This shortage could lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses of arthritis. The availability of specialists, such as rheumatologists, is also relevant, though the focus here is on primary care.

The integration of mental health services is another critical factor. Practices that understand the link between chronic pain and mental health, and actively address these issues, would contribute to a higher score. This includes providing access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups, as well as screening for mental health conditions. The absence of these resources would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

The final Arthritis Score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. Regular reassessment would be necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the score. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for individuals with arthritis, helping them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to identify the practices that best meet their needs.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for Lumber Bridge, NC (28357) is a complex assessment, requiring a thorough examination of various factors. By analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources, a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape can be created. This assessment provides insights into the accessibility and quality of care available to individuals managing arthritis in this specific geographic area.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lumber Bridge, including the location of practices, physician density, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare environment and making informed decisions about your health.