28444, Harrells, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.27 percent of the residents in 28444 has some form of health insurance. 41.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.76 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 28444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 479 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 466 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 153 health care providers accessible to residents in 28444, Harrells, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within ZIP code 28444, specifically in relation to primary care availability in the Harrells area. This involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying notable practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and exploring mental health resources, all relevant to the management of arthritis.

The initial step involves determining the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP code 28444, a rural area, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts access to specialized care, including rheumatology. The number of PCPs practicing within the zip code needs to be compared to the total population. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, suggests potential challenges in obtaining timely referrals to rheumatologists, crucial for arthritis diagnosis and treatment. This is particularly relevant because PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing joint pain and other symptoms suggestive of arthritis.

The analysis must then consider the availability of rheumatologists. The presence of board-certified rheumatologists within the immediate area is essential. If no rheumatologists are present, the analysis must assess the distance to the nearest rheumatology practices. Travel distance is a critical factor, especially for individuals with mobility limitations, a common symptom of arthritis. The analysis will also consider the number of rheumatologists per capita, providing a more accurate picture of specialist availability.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive arthritis care. This includes practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, integrating PCPs, rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and potentially pain management specialists. Practices that participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis treatments are also considered favorably. The analysis will examine patient reviews and ratings to gauge patient satisfaction and identify practices known for their patient-centered approach.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for chronic conditions like arthritis. The analysis will investigate which practices in or serving ZIP code 28444 offer telemedicine consultations. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and facilitating more frequent follow-up appointments. Practices utilizing remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable sensors to track activity levels, are also considered as they provide valuable data for managing arthritis symptoms.

Mental health resources are a crucial aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the area. This includes the presence of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists specializing in chronic pain management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their arthritis care programs are viewed more favorably.

Primary care availability in Harrells is a key factor. Harrells is a small community, and the analysis must assess the number of PCPs serving the area and their capacity to accommodate new patients. The analysis will look at the average wait times for appointments with PCPs, as this impacts the speed at which patients can receive initial evaluations and referrals for arthritis-related concerns. The analysis will also examine the types of services offered by local PCPs, including their ability to perform basic diagnostic tests and their familiarity with arthritis management guidelines.

The integration of these factors will produce an ‘Arthritis Score’ analysis. The score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of arthritis care available in the region. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the availability of primary care in Harrells. A higher score indicates better access to care and a more comprehensive approach to arthritis management.

Specific examples of practices that may be considered standout include those that have a dedicated arthritis clinic, offering a comprehensive range of services, from diagnosis and treatment to physical therapy and patient education. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, raising awareness about arthritis and promoting early detection, would also be viewed favorably. The analysis will also highlight any practices that have received awards or recognition for their quality of care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for arthritis patients. Support groups provide a valuable platform for patients to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and learn coping strategies. Educational resources, such as patient education materials and online resources, can empower patients to actively participate in their care and make informed decisions about their treatment options.

The analysis will also investigate the availability of specialized services, such as infusion centers for administering biologic medications, often used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis. The analysis will also look at the availability of imaging services, such as X-rays and MRIs, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. The proximity and accessibility of these services are crucial for patients.

The final ‘Arthritis Score’ analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the arthritis care landscape in and around ZIP code 28444. The analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable information for patients seeking arthritis care. The score will also serve as a benchmark for healthcare providers, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and enhance the quality of care they provide.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28444, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of support services, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in your area.