28523, Cove City, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28523, Cove City, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.13 percent of the residents in 28523 has some form of health insurance. 45.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.56 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 28523 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 603 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28523. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 593 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,051 health care providers accessible to residents in 28523, Cove City, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of arthritis care and primary care accessibility within Cove City, North Carolina (ZIP code 28523). This evaluation incorporates factors relevant to arthritis patients, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Cove City, and the surrounding areas, is a crucial starting point. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for arthritis sufferers. Data suggests that rural areas often experience physician shortages. While precise figures for 28523 are difficult to obtain without access to proprietary databases, publicly available resources from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of primary care and specialist availability within the county (Craven County). This data, combined with population demographics, allows for a preliminary assessment of physician accessibility.

Standout practices within the area are evaluated based on several criteria relevant to arthritis patients. These include the presence of board-certified rheumatologists, the availability of on-site diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI), and the integration of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. Practices that offer comprehensive care, addressing both medical and rehabilitative needs, are considered highly desirable. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in arthritis research or clinical trials demonstrate a commitment to advancing patient care. Reviews from patients, available on platforms such as Healthgrades and Vitals, also provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access virtual consultations with physicians, particularly rheumatologists, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges. Practices that offer telemedicine options, including secure video conferencing and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve patients with arthritis. This also allows for the monitoring of disease progression and medication adjustments. The availability of telemedicine is assessed through practice websites, online directories, and direct inquiries.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis care, yet they are essential. Chronic pain and disability associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this and offer or refer patients to mental health services, such as therapists or support groups, are considered more patient-centered. The integration of mental health services can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The assessment also considers the availability of patient education resources. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about arthritis, including information about the disease, treatment options, and self-management strategies, empower patients to take an active role in their care. This can include brochures, websites, and educational programs.

Evaluating the availability of specialized arthritis treatments is also important. This includes access to advanced therapies, such as biologic medications and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Practices that have experience with these treatments and offer them to appropriate patients are considered to provide a higher level of care.

The analysis further considers the accessibility of pharmacies and pharmacies that specialize in medications used to treat arthritis. This includes the availability of specialty pharmacies that can provide support services, such as medication adherence programs and patient education.

Based on the factors outlined above, an Arthritis Score is developed for each practice in the 28523 ZIP code. The score is based on a combination of quantitative data (e.g., physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine availability) and qualitative data (e.g., patient reviews, practice characteristics).

Primary care availability in Cove City is also assessed. Primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for patients with arthritis, and their availability is crucial for timely diagnosis and referral to specialists. The evaluation considers the number of primary care physicians in the area, their acceptance of new patients, and the availability of same-day or next-day appointments. The primary care physician's familiarity with arthritis and their willingness to coordinate care with rheumatologists are also considered.

The overall score for primary care availability is based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of appointments, and the integration of care with specialists. A higher score indicates greater accessibility and better coordination of care.

The final Arthritis Score for physicians in 28523 reflects a composite of factors. The overall score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, specialized treatments, and pharmacy accessibility. The Primary Care Availability Score is based on physician-to-patient ratios, appointment availability, and coordination of care.

The analysis highlights the strengths and weaknesses of arthritis care and primary care accessibility in Cove City. It identifies practices that excel in providing comprehensive care and those that may need to improve in certain areas. It also provides insights into the challenges faced by patients with arthritis in accessing care in a rural setting.

For a comprehensive visualization of physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility data, consider exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, geographically-based understanding of healthcare resources in the Cove City area, allowing for a more informed assessment of care options.