28396, Wagram, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28396, Wagram, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.78 percent of the residents in 28396 has some form of health insurance. 50.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.68 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 28396 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 323 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28396. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,476 health care providers accessible to residents in 28396, Wagram, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the quality of arthritis care and primary care accessibility in Wagram, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28396), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and supportive resources. The goal is to provide an 'Arthritis Score' ranking, though it is important to acknowledge that a precise, numerical score is impossible without access to proprietary data and detailed patient outcomes. Instead, this analysis provides a qualitative assessment based on publicly available information and industry trends.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Overall Availability**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within a specific ZIP code is challenging. Publicly available data, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, can offer insights, but often at a broader county level. Scotland County, where Wagram is located, is considered a rural area, and rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. This suggests that the physician-to-patient ratio in Wagram might be less favorable compared to more urban areas. A scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to care for all conditions, including arthritis, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis and management. Limited PCP availability can lead to delayed diagnoses, increased reliance on emergency room visits, and poorer patient outcomes.

**Primary Care Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices**

The quality of primary care practices in Wagram significantly impacts arthritis care. Practices with well-established referral networks, electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care tend to provide better outcomes. Standout practices would ideally demonstrate these characteristics. They would also have a clear understanding of arthritis management guidelines and readily available resources for patients. This could include patient education materials, support groups, and access to physical therapy and occupational therapy services. Researching individual practices through online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites is crucial. However, the absence of readily available data and specific practice information makes identifying standout practices challenging without a comprehensive local survey.

**Specialist Availability and Referral Networks**

While this analysis focuses on primary care, access to specialists is vital for arthritis management. Rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management specialists are essential for diagnosing, treating, and managing complex arthritis cases. The proximity to larger medical centers, such as those in Fayetteville or Southern Pines, is a significant factor. The presence of a strong referral network between primary care practices and specialists is also critical. Practices that have established relationships with specialists and can efficiently facilitate referrals provide a higher level of care. The efficiency of this referral process, including appointment wait times and communication between providers, significantly impacts patient outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Wagram can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. The availability of telehealth services, including the type of platforms used, the ease of use, and the integration with existing EHR systems, should be assessed. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care. However, the digital divide, including limited internet access and digital literacy, can pose challenges for some patients.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

Arthritis can significantly impact mental health. Chronic pain, functional limitations, and the emotional burden of living with a chronic illness can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The availability of mental health support, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, should be considered when assessing the quality of arthritis care. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and proactively address these needs are likely to provide a higher level of patient-centered care.

**Arthritis Score Ranking Considerations**

Without access to specific patient data and practice-level performance metrics, a precise 'Arthritis Score' is not feasible. However, the following factors would be considered when developing such a score:

* **Physician Availability:** Physician-to-patient ratio, particularly PCPs and specialists.
* **Practice Characteristics:** EHR adoption, referral network strength, patient education resources.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability and accessibility of telehealth services.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Availability of mental health services or referral pathways.
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Although difficult to assess without a survey, online reviews and patient testimonials can provide some insights.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of support groups, physical therapy, and other relevant services.

**Conclusion**

Assessing the quality of arthritis care and primary care accessibility in Wagram requires a multi-faceted approach. While the physician-to-patient ratio and specialist availability are potential limitations, the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources can significantly improve patient outcomes. Further research, including a comprehensive local survey, is needed to provide a more definitive assessment.

To gain a visual understanding of healthcare access in Wagram and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into geographic variations in healthcare availability and accessibility.