28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.32 percent of the residents in 28384 has some form of health insurance. 48.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.94 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 28384 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,757 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28384. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,463 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,386 health care providers accessible to residents in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina.

The task of assessing "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP code 28384 and primary care availability in Saint Pauls necessitates a multifaceted approach. We'll delve into the specific aspects of physician access, practice characteristics, and resource availability to paint a comprehensive picture. While a definitive "Arthritis Score" is not a standardized metric, this analysis will provide a framework for understanding the quality of care accessible to individuals managing arthritis within this geographic context.

The first crucial element is physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly rheumatologists, practicing within ZIP code 28384 is fundamental. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards can provide this information. The population of Saint Pauls, North Carolina, also needs to be established. Dividing the number of physicians by the population yields the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical indicator of accessibility. A lower ratio suggests greater access to care. However, this is just a starting point.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians is crucial. Are the available PCPs and specialists concentrated in a single clinic or spread across multiple locations? This impacts patient convenience and travel time, especially for individuals with mobility limitations often associated with arthritis. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by each practice is vital. Practices with closed patient panels or lengthy wait times effectively reduce access, regardless of the physician-to-patient ratio.

Another layer of analysis involves examining the characteristics of the medical practices themselves. What are the office hours? Do they offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' work schedules? Do they have on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray machines or lab services, reducing the need for patients to travel to multiple locations for care? The availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy within the practices or nearby is also a significant factor, given their importance in managing arthritis symptoms.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 28384 and Saint Pauls requires more in-depth investigation. This would involve reviewing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, or Google Reviews. While not always perfectly representative, these reviews often provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication styles, and the overall patient experience. Furthermore, assessing whether practices are actively participating in quality improvement programs or are recognized for their commitment to patient care can be valuable.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication management? Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for patients who have difficulty traveling or live in rural areas. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring and support, which is critical for managing arthritis effectively.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for individuals with chronic pain. Arthritis can significantly impact a person's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Does the practice have access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks? Are they equipped to screen for mental health issues and provide appropriate support? The availability of these resources is a key indicator of a holistic approach to patient care.

The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for arthritis patients. Are there local support groups where patients can connect with others and share experiences? Does the practice provide educational materials about arthritis management, including information on medications, exercise, and lifestyle modifications? Access to these resources can empower patients to take a more active role in their care and improve their quality of life.

Assessing the affordability of care is also a crucial aspect. Does the practice accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Are there financial assistance programs available for patients who struggle to afford their care? The cost of medications, physical therapy, and other services can be a significant barrier to access for many individuals.

In conclusion, evaluating "Arthritis Score" in this context requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, resource accessibility, and affordability. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the cost of care all play critical roles. While a precise numerical score is not feasible without access to proprietary data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the quality of care available.

To visualize and further explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you overlay this data, providing a visual representation of access to care.