28518, Beulaville, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.17 percent of the residents in 28518 has some form of health insurance. 45.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.59 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 28518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,898 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28518. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,451 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 280 health care providers accessible to residents in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Beulaville, NC (ZIP Code 28518)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning arthritis care, in Beulaville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28518) presents a multifaceted challenge. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, explore standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in constructing an "Arthritis Score" for the area. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify potential areas for improvement, ultimately benefiting individuals managing arthritis.

The foundation of good arthritis care rests on accessible primary care. In Beulaville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Determining the exact number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code is the first step. This data, often gleaned from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, insurance directories, and local healthcare providers, establishes the baseline. The next step is to assess the patient load each physician carries. A high patient-to-physician ratio can significantly impact appointment availability, wait times, and the overall quality of care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 28518 is likely influenced by the rural nature of the area. Rural communities often face physician shortages compared to urban centers. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, making it more difficult for patients with arthritis to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management. A low physician-to-patient ratio would suggest better access to care, while a high ratio indicates potential challenges.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based treatment guidelines for arthritis, the availability of specialized services (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy), and the integration of care with rheumatologists (if any are within a reasonable distance). Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American College of Rheumatology, often demonstrate a commitment to providing superior care.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, receive medication management, and participate in educational programs. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in Beulaville is vital. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and chronic disease management, can significantly improve access to care for individuals with arthritis.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis care, but they are crucial. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health services, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Beulaville area is therefore crucial. Assessing whether primary care physicians screen for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health providers is equally important.

The availability of support groups, patient education programs, and resources from organizations like the Arthritis Foundation also contributes to the overall "Arthritis Score." These resources empower patients to actively manage their condition, learn coping strategies, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The presence of these resources demonstrates a commitment to holistic patient care.

The "Arthritis Score" itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the various factors discussed. It would incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of patient support programs. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in providing high-quality arthritis care.

A high "Arthritis Score" would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to support individuals with arthritis, characterized by good access to primary care, high-quality services, and readily available resources. A low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialized services, or a lack of mental health support.

The specific details of the healthcare landscape in Beulaville, including the number of physicians, practice characteristics, and resource availability, would determine the final "Arthritis Score." This score would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and guiding efforts to improve arthritis care in the community.

The analysis would also consider the presence of other healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and urgent care centers, and their ability to provide support to patients with arthritis. The availability of diagnostic services, such as X-rays and MRIs, is also essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the demographics of the population in Beulaville, including the age distribution and the prevalence of arthritis. This information can help to tailor healthcare services to the specific needs of the community.

Finally, the analysis would consider the insurance coverage of the population in Beulaville. The availability of affordable healthcare is essential for ensuring that all individuals with arthritis can access the care they need.

In conclusion, creating a comprehensive "Arthritis Score" for Beulaville (28518) requires a detailed assessment of the healthcare infrastructure, physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient support programs. This data-driven approach provides a valuable framework for understanding the current state of arthritis care and identifying opportunities for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Beulaville and surrounding areas, and to gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, practice locations, and resource distribution, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore the data and gain valuable insights into the healthcare access in your community.