28403, Wilmington, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.41 percent of the residents in 28403 has some form of health insurance. 24.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.55 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 28403 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28403. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,082 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,878 health care providers accessible to residents in 28403, Wilmington, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Primary Care in Wilmington, NC (ZIP Code 28403)**

Evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care for arthritis sufferers within Wilmington, North Carolina's 28403 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," considers factors vital to effective arthritis management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the integration of mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Researching the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 28403 ZIP code and comparing this to the population size is crucial. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be essential for this calculation. Furthermore, the age distribution within the ZIP code is relevant, as older populations tend to have a higher prevalence of arthritis.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of primary care practices available are significant. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often offer advantages, such as on-site radiology services for X-rays (crucial for arthritis diagnosis and monitoring), physical therapy departments, and access to a wider range of specialists, including rheumatologists. The presence of integrated care models, where PCPs collaborate closely with other healthcare providers, is also a positive indicator.

Standout practices will demonstrate several key attributes. They will have a demonstrable commitment to patient education about arthritis, providing resources on disease management, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence. They will utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for streamlined communication between providers, efficient medication management, and the ability to track patient progress over time. The practices should also have clear protocols for managing arthritis-related pain, including appropriate referrals to pain management specialists if needed.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills score higher. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce the burden of travel, and facilitate more frequent check-ins, which is especially valuable for managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of arthritis care. 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 access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, are more supportive of their patients' overall health. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing educational materials on coping strategies, and facilitating access to support groups.

Evaluating the specific practices within the 28403 ZIP code requires in-depth research. Online reviews from patients, though not always perfectly representative, can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc offer patient ratings and reviews. Contacting practices directly to inquire about their services, wait times, and approaches to arthritis management is also essential.

The Arthritis Score for a given practice can be calculated by assigning points based on the presence and quality of each of the aforementioned factors. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, integrated care model, robust telemedicine offerings, and on-site mental health services would receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for the 28403 ZIP code reflects the aggregate quality of primary care available. A high score indicates a well-resourced healthcare environment with good access to physicians, comprehensive services, and a focus on patient-centered care. A low score suggests potential challenges, such as limited physician availability, inadequate support services, and a need for improvement in areas like telemedicine and mental health integration.

This analysis underscores the importance of a holistic approach to arthritis care. Simply having access to a doctor is not enough. Patients need access to a supportive healthcare environment that addresses their physical, emotional, and social needs. The presence of a well-integrated healthcare system with a focus on patient education, proactive pain management, and mental health support is paramount.

To visualize the geographical distribution of primary care practices, compare physician-to-patient ratios across different areas within Wilmington, and identify areas with limited access to care, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent the data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and aiding in identifying areas where resources need to be directed.