28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.18 percent of the residents in 28439 has some form of health insurance. 37.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.36 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 28439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 175 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28439. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 189 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,224 health care providers accessible to residents in 28439, Fair Bluff, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Fair Bluff, NC (ZIP Code 28439)

Analyzing the availability and quality of arthritis care in Fair Bluff, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28439) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider the physician landscape, particularly primary care, as it often serves as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing joint pain and stiffness. Furthermore, we'll explore the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall infrastructure that supports arthritis management within this rural community. This analysis will culminate in a proposed "Arthritis Score" that provides a relative assessment of the resources available.

Fair Bluff, situated in Columbus County, faces the typical challenges of rural healthcare. Physician shortages, particularly specialists like rheumatologists, are common. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. While precise, up-to-the-minute data is dynamic and difficult to obtain, publicly available resources and data from organizations like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate these ratios. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for primary care physicians (PCPs), indicates a greater burden on existing providers, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time per patient. This directly impacts the early diagnosis and effective management of arthritis.

The availability of primary care is paramount. PCPs are often the first line of defense in identifying and managing arthritis. They can perform initial assessments, order necessary diagnostic tests (like X-rays and blood work), and initiate treatment plans. Access to a readily available PCP is therefore a critical component of our "Arthritis Score." We must evaluate the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, we must assess the average wait times for appointments, the acceptance of new patients, and the hours of operation. Extended hours and weekend availability can significantly improve access for working individuals.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. These practices might demonstrate excellence in several areas. Perhaps they have a strong focus on patient education, offering classes or providing comprehensive written materials about arthritis management. Some might have integrated physical therapy and occupational therapy services within their practice, providing convenient access to these crucial therapies. Others might have established strong referral networks with specialists, ensuring patients are efficiently connected to rheumatologists or other relevant medical professionals. A practice that actively participates in research or clinical trials related to arthritis would also score favorably.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The availability of telemedicine options for both primary care and specialist consultations (like rheumatology) would positively impact the "Arthritis Score." We must consider whether local practices offer telemedicine appointments, the types of services available via telemedicine (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management), and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial for arthritis patients. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive arthritis care system. We need to assess the availability of these resources within the Fair Bluff area, including the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered, and the acceptance of insurance. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices would be a significant advantage.

The overall infrastructure supporting arthritis management also needs evaluation. This includes access to physical therapy and occupational therapy services, pharmacies that specialize in arthritis medications, and support groups for individuals with arthritis. The availability of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for arthritis patients. We need to assess the accessibility of these resources, including their location, hours of operation, and the acceptance of insurance.

To arrive at an "Arthritis Score," we would assign points based on the factors discussed above. A higher score would indicate a greater availability of resources and a higher quality of care. The score would be based on a weighted average, with primary care availability, specialist access, and telemedicine adoption given the highest weight. Mental health resources, physical therapy/occupational therapy access, and support group availability would also contribute significantly.

The final "Arthritis Score" for Fair Bluff (ZIP Code 28439) would be a relative measure, comparing the resources available in this community to other similar rural areas. This score would not only reflect the current state of arthritis care but also highlight areas for improvement. It would also serve as a benchmark for tracking progress over time.

The challenges of providing comprehensive arthritis care in a rural setting like Fair Bluff are undeniable. However, by focusing on improving primary care access, expanding telemedicine options, integrating mental health services, and supporting the development of local resources, the community can improve the quality of life for individuals living with arthritis.

**Take your analysis further with CartoChrome maps.** CartoChrome maps provide a powerful visualization tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources. Use CartoChrome maps to explore the location of physicians, pharmacies, physical therapy clinics, and other relevant resources within and around Fair Bluff. Visualize physician-to-patient ratios, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. This visual approach can provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals seeking arthritis care.