28448, Kelly, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.76 percent of the residents in 28448 has some form of health insurance. 45.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.87 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 28448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28448. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 161 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 87 health care providers accessible to residents in 28448, Kelly, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28448 & Primary Care Availability in Kelly, NC

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 28448, specifically focusing on the availability of primary care physicians and related resources relevant to individuals managing arthritis. We will also examine the specific situation in Kelly, North Carolina, a community within this ZIP code, to understand its unique healthcare environment. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for arthritis patients, such as physician access, telemedicine options, and mental health support.

The foundation of our assessment begins with physician-to-patient ratios. In 28448, the ratio of primary care physicians to the overall population is a critical indicator. A low ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, specialist referrals, and ongoing care management, all vital for individuals with arthritis. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau will be used to determine this ratio. A favorable ratio, indicating greater access, would positively influence the Arthritis Score. Conversely, a scarcity of physicians would negatively impact the score, signaling potential hurdles in obtaining necessary medical attention.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code is essential. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating access disparities for residents in more rural or underserved locations like Kelly? The location of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans all play a role. Practices with extended hours, weekend availability, and a broad acceptance of insurance plans contribute to a higher Arthritis Score. Conversely, limited accessibility, restricted hours, and narrow insurance acceptance would lower the score, particularly impacting residents of Kelly, who might face geographical barriers to care.

The quality of care, while difficult to quantify directly, is a significant factor. This involves evaluating the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of specialized services like rheumatology referrals, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive arthritis management programs, and actively engage in shared decision-making would receive higher marks. Practices lacking these elements would be penalized, reflecting a less supportive environment for arthritis patients.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial component of the Arthritis Score, especially for individuals facing mobility challenges or residing in remote areas like Kelly. Practices offering telehealth consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals significantly enhance accessibility and convenience. The ability to communicate with physicians remotely, receive prescriptions electronically, and access educational resources online can dramatically improve the quality of life for arthritis patients. Practices embracing telemedicine technologies would receive a substantial boost to their Arthritis Score. Practices lacking these features would be viewed less favorably.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical, aspect of arthritis management. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Practices that integrate mental health services, offer referrals to therapists and counselors, and provide support groups for arthritis patients receive a higher score. The presence of mental health professionals within the practice or readily available referrals to mental health services in the Kelly area is crucial. Practices that neglect mental health considerations would receive a lower score, reflecting a less holistic approach to patient care.

Standout practices within 28448 are identified by examining their overall approach to patient care. This involves reviewing patient reviews, assessing their commitment to evidence-based practices, and evaluating their responsiveness to patient needs. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, and actively involve patients in their care plans would be recognized as top performers. These practices, particularly those serving the Kelly community, would significantly elevate the overall Arthritis Score for the region. The absence of such practices would indicate a need for improvement in the quality of care.

The specific situation in Kelly, North Carolina, is assessed by considering its unique geographical characteristics and healthcare landscape. Kelly's rural setting may present challenges in accessing primary care, making telemedicine and mobile health services particularly important. The availability of transportation options, the presence of community health centers, and the distance to the nearest hospitals all influence the Arthritis Score for Kelly residents. The availability of transportation to medical facilities is a crucial factor.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for 28448 and Kelly is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of healthcare resources available to arthritis patients. The score is influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the distribution of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the presence of standout practices. The specific circumstances in Kelly, including its rural setting and healthcare infrastructure, are considered. The overall goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare environment and identify areas for improvement to better serve the needs of individuals living with arthritis.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points within 28448 and Kelly, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the healthcare landscape and identify areas of opportunity.