28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.73 percent of the residents in 28520 has some form of health insurance. 49.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.74 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 28520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28520. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 43 health care providers accessible to residents in 28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28520 & Primary Care in Cedar Island

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 28520, with a specific focus on Cedar Island, North Carolina, for patients managing arthritis. The assessment employs an "Arthritis Score" methodology, considering factors crucial for effective arthritis management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice features, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This framework aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. In the context of arthritis, timely access to care is critical for managing pain, preventing disease progression, and maintaining quality of life. While specific, up-to-the-minute physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain publicly, data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards provides a general baseline. The analysis will consider publicly available data and any local reports to estimate the physician density within the target area.

Standout practices are identified based on several criteria. First, the presence of board-certified rheumatologists or physicians with specialized training in arthritis management is a significant advantage. Second, practices offering comprehensive services, such as on-site physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs) are highly valued. Third, the availability of patient education resources, including support groups, educational materials, and programs focused on self-management strategies, is crucial for empowering patients to actively participate in their care. Fourth, the practice's commitment to patient satisfaction, as reflected in online reviews and patient testimonials, is also factored in.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including reduced travel time and costs, increased convenience, and improved access to care for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. The Arthritis Score will assess the availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online access to medical records. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are considered to be more patient-centered and adaptable to the evolving healthcare landscape.

The connection between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain, disability, and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, access to mental health resources is an essential component of comprehensive arthritis care. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referral networks. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists or psychiatrists, and access to support groups or other mental health resources.

Cedar Island, a geographically isolated community within ZIP code 28520, faces unique healthcare challenges. The limited population density and distance from larger medical centers may contribute to lower physician-to-patient ratios and reduced access to specialized services. The analysis will specifically address the primary care availability in Cedar Island, considering factors such as the presence of a local clinic or medical facility, the availability of transportation to off-island medical appointments, and the use of telehealth to connect patients with specialists.

The assessment will consider the specific needs of arthritis patients in Cedar Island. This includes evaluating the availability of physical therapy and rehabilitation services, which are crucial for maintaining mobility and function. The analysis will also assess the accessibility of pharmacies and medication management services, ensuring that patients can easily obtain their prescribed medications and receive guidance on proper usage.

The Arthritis Score will also take into account the practice's approach to patient education and shared decision-making. Practices that actively involve patients in their care plans, provide clear and concise information about their condition and treatment options, and encourage patient participation in self-management strategies are considered to be more patient-centered and likely to achieve better outcomes. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials, the use of patient portals for communication and information sharing, and the practice's commitment to addressing patient concerns and preferences.

The availability of specialized services, such as rheumatology consultations, is a critical factor in managing arthritis effectively. Patients with complex or severe arthritis may require the expertise of a rheumatologist for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the proximity of rheumatology specialists to ZIP code 28520 and the ease of access to these specialists for patients in Cedar Island. This includes assessing the availability of transportation options and the practice's referral processes.

The analysis will also consider the practice's commitment to quality improvement and patient safety. This includes assessing the practice's use of electronic health records, the implementation of quality metrics, and the participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that prioritize patient safety and continuously strive to improve the quality of care are more likely to deliver positive outcomes for arthritis patients.

The final Arthritis Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each of the factors discussed above. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in ZIP code 28520 and Cedar Island. The analysis will identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting practices that excel in providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is limited by the availability of public data. The actual physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource availability might vary. However, this analysis provides a reasonable estimation.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28520 and to visualize physician locations, access to specialists, and available resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and resource distribution.