28401, Wilmington, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28401, Wilmington, North Carolina is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.39 percent of the residents in 28401 has some form of health insurance. 44.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.42 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 28401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,217 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28401. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,583 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,819 health care providers accessible to residents in 28401, Wilmington, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28401)

This analysis examines the landscape of arthritis care within Wilmington, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28401 ZIP code. We will evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs), considering their capacity to address arthritis-related needs, alongside factors influencing patient access to care. The assessment incorporates physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective arthritis management often rests on the strength of the patient's relationship with their PCP. In 28401, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially limit the time and attention each patient receives. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially more personalized care. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios are dynamic and fluctuate, analyzing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and county health departments provides an initial assessment. The analysis should also consider the distribution of these physicians within the ZIP code, identifying areas with potential shortages or underserved populations.

Standout practices in the 28401 area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes practices that have a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating not only PCPs but also rheumatologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. The availability of these specialists within a single practice or through strong referral networks is a significant advantage for patients. Practices that have invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, such as advanced imaging technology, can also streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis demonstrate a commitment to advancing care.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in improving access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in areas with limited specialist availability. The extent to which PCPs in 28401 have embraced telemedicine is a key indicator of their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. The analysis should assess the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management. Practices that offer telehealth options can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the burden of travel for follow-up appointments. The availability of patient portals for secure communication and access to medical records is also a crucial component of effective telemedicine integration.

The intricate relationship between arthritis and mental health is often overlooked. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is essential. The analysis should evaluate the availability of on-site mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, or the presence of strong referral networks to mental health specialists. Practices that screen patients for depression and anxiety, and proactively address mental health concerns, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families also contributes to a supportive care environment.

The analysis also needs to consider the insurance landscape in 28401. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, is a critical factor in ensuring access to care. Practices that are in-network with a wide range of insurance providers can improve access for a broader patient population. The analysis should also assess the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford their medications or other healthcare costs.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of ancillary services that support arthritis management. This includes access to physical therapy and occupational therapy services within the ZIP code. These therapies are essential for maintaining mobility, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life for individuals with arthritis. The analysis should also assess the availability of educational resources for patients, such as workshops on self-management techniques and healthy lifestyle choices.

The overall 'Arthritis Score' for doctors in 28401 is a composite of all these factors. It's not simply a matter of counting physicians; it's about evaluating the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of the care available. A higher score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with readily accessible primary care physicians, strong specialist networks, telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health resources, and a commitment to patient-centered care. A lower score would signal areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited specialist availability, or a lack of telemedicine options.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare landscape. It allows for a nuanced assessment of the resources available to individuals with arthritis and highlights areas where improvements can be made. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the quality and accessibility of arthritis care in Wilmington, NC (28401).

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Wilmington, including physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their data visualization tools can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare resources and help you make informed decisions about your care.