28466, Wallace, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.81 percent of the residents in 28466 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.36 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 28466 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,659 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28466. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,908 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically regarding arthritis care within Wallace, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28466), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care available to individuals managing arthritis within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Wallace, a rural community, this ratio is likely to be a significant factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists like rheumatologists, indicates potential challenges. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to see a specialist, and potentially limited access to comprehensive care. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the North Carolina Medical Board would be crucial to establish a baseline ratio for primary care physicians and, critically, for rheumatologists within the ZIP code and surrounding areas. This baseline is essential for determining the overall “Arthritis Score.”

Primary care availability is another cornerstone of arthritis management. Early diagnosis and ongoing monitoring often begin with a primary care physician (PCP). The number of PCPs accepting new patients, their experience with arthritis management, and their willingness to refer patients to specialists are all critical considerations. Furthermore, the presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can provide valuable support in managing chronic conditions like arthritis, also influences the score. Assessing the availability of PCPs and their supporting staff within Wallace is crucial for providing the initial level of care needed.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care. This evaluation considers several factors: the presence of board-certified rheumatologists or physicians with specialized training in arthritis management; the availability of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray and ultrasound; and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offer support groups, and demonstrate a strong track record of positive patient outcomes would receive higher marks in this evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Wallace. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of telehealth consultations for both initial assessments and follow-up appointments can significantly improve patient access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, would be viewed favorably in the “Arthritis Score” analysis. The ease of access and the quality of the technology utilized are both important.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of arthritis care. 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 recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or support groups, would score higher. This includes assessing whether PCPs and specialists are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals.

Furthermore, the availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services is vital. These therapies are instrumental in managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining functional independence for individuals with arthritis. The presence of these services, along with the availability of assistive devices and other supportive resources, contributes significantly to the overall quality of arthritis care.

The “Arthritis Score” would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of all the above factors. The weighting assigned to each factor would depend on its perceived importance in providing comprehensive and accessible arthritis care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The availability of specialists and the integration of mental health resources would also be weighted heavily. The score would be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better access and quality of care.

Ultimately, the “Arthritis Score” for Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466) would provide a valuable snapshot of the arthritis care landscape. It would highlight areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. This information could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify opportunities for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The score is dynamic and should be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final “Arthritis Score” for Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466) is not a static number, but a reflection of a complex system. The analysis must consider the specific needs of the community, including the demographics of the population, the prevalence of arthritis, and the existing healthcare infrastructure. This in-depth assessment would provide a valuable tool for evaluating and improving the quality of arthritis care within the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466) and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a more comprehensive picture of the healthcare environment.