28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.37 percent of the residents in 28450 has some form of health insurance. 42.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.48 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 28450 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 363 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28450. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,188 health care providers accessible to residents in 28450, Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina.

The following analysis examines the availability and quality of arthritis care within ZIP code 28450, focusing on Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. This assessment considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, aiming to provide a comprehensive ‘Arthritis Score’ perspective.

Lake Waccamaw, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The limited population density can influence the availability of specialized medical services, including rheumatology. The ‘Arthritis Score’ framework, in this context, is not a numerical rating but rather a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals managing arthritis.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and rheumatologists serving the 28450 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Department of Health & Human Services can provide this information. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for rheumatologists, can indicate potential access issues, leading to longer wait times for appointments and delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. The absence of a dedicated rheumatologist within the immediate vicinity would significantly impact the ‘Arthritis Score’, potentially requiring patients to travel to larger cities like Wilmington or Whiteville for specialized care.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices play a crucial role. Are the PCPs accepting new patients? Do they have experience managing arthritis cases? Do they have a strong referral network to specialists, even if those specialists are located outside of Lake Waccamaw? Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day sick visits can improve access and convenience for patients. The presence of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray or lab testing, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the need for multiple appointments at different locations. The ‘Arthritis Score’ benefits from practices that prioritize patient communication, provide clear explanations of treatment options, and actively involve patients in their care plans.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly for rural communities. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer telemedicine options can receive a higher ‘Arthritis Score’. This includes the availability of virtual follow-up appointments, medication management consultations, and educational resources delivered online. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, its compatibility with various devices, and the technical support offered to patients are also important considerations.

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 a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, contribute positively to the ‘Arthritis Score’. This includes providing information about support groups, counseling services, and pain management programs that address the psychological aspects of living with arthritis. Collaboration between primary care physicians, rheumatologists (if available), and mental health professionals is ideal.

Identifying standout practices within the 28450 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. This involves researching practice websites, reading patient reviews, and potentially contacting practices directly to inquire about their services and approach to arthritis care. Practices that demonstrate a patient-centered approach, prioritize communication, and offer comprehensive care, including access to specialists and mental health resources, would be considered high-scoring. This could include practices that actively participate in continuing medical education related to arthritis, are involved in local community outreach efforts, or utilize innovative treatment approaches.

The ‘Arthritis Score’ for Lake Waccamaw, considering the factors discussed, likely reflects a landscape with both strengths and weaknesses. The size of the community and the potential for limited specialist availability are challenges. However, the presence of dedicated PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources could positively influence the score. The final assessment depends on a thorough investigation of the specific practices serving the area. This includes understanding their referral networks, their commitment to patient education, and their ability to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of arthritis.

The ideal scenario would involve a collaborative approach to arthritis care, with PCPs working closely with specialists (even if located outside the immediate ZIP code), mental health professionals, and physical therapists. This team-based approach can optimize patient outcomes and improve the overall ‘Arthritis Score’ for the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 28450 ZIP code, including the location of medical practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare providers and assess the accessibility of care within Lake Waccamaw.