28455, Nakina, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.58 percent of the residents in 28455 has some form of health insurance. 40.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.64 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 28455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 745 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28455. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 371 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,707 health care providers accessible to residents in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Nakina, NC (ZIP Code 28455)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28455, encompassing Nakina, North Carolina, with a focus on factors relevant to arthritis sufferers. The score considers physician availability, access to specialized care, and supportive resources. It's important to understand that this score is an estimation based on publicly available data and may not fully reflect the nuances of individual practices.

The core challenge in Nakina, as with many rural areas, is the limited availability of healthcare professionals. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. In the absence of precise, up-to-the-minute data, we can rely on regional averages and publicly available databases to estimate this ratio. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside the US Census Bureau, offers some insights. Based on these sources, Nakina likely faces a lower-than-average physician-to-patient ratio, potentially creating longer wait times for appointments and increased difficulty in securing timely care. This impacts the Arthritis Score negatively, as prompt access to a PCP is crucial for initial diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists.

The Arthritis Score also considers the availability of primary care. The presence of a well-established primary care network is essential. Ideally, Nakina would have multiple primary care practices, including those accepting new patients. The existence of these practices is a positive factor, but the number of doctors and their accessibility are key. Publicly available directories, such as those maintained by insurance providers and health systems, provide information about practices in the area. Checking these directories allows us to assess the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to arthritis care. This includes physicians with experience in managing musculoskeletal conditions, offering comprehensive patient education, and actively participating in continuing medical education related to arthritis. These practices would likely have a higher Arthritis Score. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identify these practices without specific knowledge of their internal operations and patient feedback. Online reviews, while often subjective, can offer clues about patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine offers potential benefits for arthritis patients, including remote consultations, medication management, and access to specialist opinions. The availability of telemedicine options, especially for follow-up appointments and routine check-ins, can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are also crucial. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and chronic pain often co-occur. The availability of mental health support, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to local therapists or psychiatrists, is a critical component of comprehensive arthritis care. Practices with established mental health support networks would receive a higher Arthritis Score.

Specialist access plays a role. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability of PCPs to refer patients to rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists is essential. The proximity of specialists and the efficiency of the referral process are important. The Arthritis Score is negatively impacted by a lack of specialist access.

The Arthritis Score is further influenced by the availability of ancillary services. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to pain management specialists. These services are vital for managing arthritis symptoms and improving quality of life. Practices that readily refer patients to these services contribute positively to the score.

The overall Arthritis Score for Nakina (ZIP code 28455) is likely moderate. The limited physician-to-patient ratio and potential challenges in accessing specialized care are likely to be the most significant negative factors. The presence of primary care practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption could improve the score. However, a comprehensive assessment would require more detailed data on individual practices, including their approach to arthritis management, their referral networks, and their integration of mental health support.

To improve the Arthritis Score, Nakina could benefit from several initiatives. Recruiting additional primary care physicians, encouraging the adoption of telemedicine, and strengthening referral networks to specialists would be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting patient education and self-management programs can empower patients to take an active role in their care.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for primary care in Nakina, NC, reflects the realities of a rural healthcare environment. While challenges exist, there are opportunities to improve access to care and support for arthritis sufferers.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Nakina and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and resources.