28467, Calabash, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28467, Calabash, North Carolina is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.81 percent of the residents in 28467 has some form of health insurance. 57.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.44 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 28467 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,092 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28467. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,957 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,139 health care providers accessible to residents in 28467, Calabash, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28467 and Primary Care Availability in Calabash

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of arthritis care within ZIP Code 28467, encompassing the Calabash area, with a specific focus on primary care physician (PCP) access. We will assess the landscape through the lens of an "Arthritis Score," considering factors crucial for effective arthritis management. This score, though not a formal metric, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients in this region.

The foundation of effective arthritis care lies in readily accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio within Calabash and the surrounding areas is a critical indicator. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, delayed diagnoses, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio for 28467, utilizing data from sources like the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or local health departments, is the first step. This data provides a baseline understanding of access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Assessing the patient-centeredness of practices is crucial. Do practices prioritize chronic disease management? Are they proactive in screening for arthritis risk factors, such as family history or early symptoms? Look for practices that emphasize preventative care, including patient education about lifestyle modifications like exercise and diet, vital components of arthritis management.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. Identifying practices known for their commitment to arthritis care requires investigation. This might involve reviewing online patient reviews, examining practice websites for information on chronic disease management, and contacting local patient advocacy groups. Practices that demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach, potentially including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and rheumatologists, would score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. The ability to access virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of consultations offered (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management), is essential. Practices that offer telemedicine options score higher on the "Arthritis Score."

Mental health resources are often overlooked in arthritis care, yet they are critical. Arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the area, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial. Practices that integrate mental health services or have established referral pathways score higher.

The "Arthritis Score" also considers the availability of specialized care. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the proximity and accessibility of rheumatologists are important. Researching the number of rheumatologists serving the 28467 area, their wait times for appointments, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is necessary. A well-coordinated network of primary care and specialist care is vital for optimal patient outcomes.

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in access to care. The acceptance of various insurance plans by both primary care physicians and specialists is a key factor. Investigating the insurance networks accepted by local practices is critical. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, score higher on the "Arthritis Score" because they provide access to care for a broader population.

Patient education and support are vital components of successful arthritis management. Assessing the availability of patient education resources, such as educational materials, support groups, and disease management programs, is important. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources and support to help patients manage their condition, score higher.

The physical accessibility of medical facilities is also a consideration. Ensuring that practices are accessible to patients with mobility limitations is essential. This includes features such as wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, and ramps. Practices that prioritize physical accessibility score higher.

The analysis should also consider the integration of technology in patient care. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals can improve communication, streamline appointment scheduling, and facilitate access to medical information. Practices that embrace technology score higher.

Finally, the "Arthritis Score" should consider the overall cost of care. Investigating the average cost of primary care visits, specialist consultations, and medications is important. Practices that are transparent about their pricing and offer affordable care options score higher.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Arthritis Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 28467 and primary care availability in Calabash involves a multi-faceted assessment. It goes beyond simply counting physicians; it considers the quality of care, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, insurance coverage, patient education, physical accessibility, technological integration, and cost. By considering these factors, a comprehensive picture of arthritis care in the region emerges.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic information, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize the landscape of healthcare providers in the area. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to enhance your understanding of healthcare access in Calabash and beyond.