28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.32 percent of the residents in 28528 has some form of health insurance. 28.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.96 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 28528 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28528. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,144 health care providers accessible to residents in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina.

The task requires an analysis of medical resources in a specific ZIP code (28528, encompassing Gloucester, North Carolina) with a focus on arthritis care, primary care availability, and related factors. This analysis will be framed as an "Arthritis Score" assessment, evaluating the local healthcare landscape.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Gloucester, NC (ZIP Code 28528)**

Gloucester, NC, a coastal community, presents a unique healthcare environment. The "Arthritis Score" for this area will consider several key indicators, including the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the accessibility of specialized rheumatology services, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health support, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis management. The score will be a qualitative assessment, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratio**

A fundamental component of the "Arthritis Score" is the availability of primary care. PCPs act as gatekeepers, providing initial diagnoses, coordinating care, and managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The physician-to-patient ratio in Gloucester (ZIP code 28528) is a critical metric. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or data from the American Medical Association can be used to estimate this ratio. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. However, this data alone is insufficient. The distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, their acceptance of new patients, and their office hours are also crucial considerations. A scarcity of PCPs, or limited access to them, would negatively impact the "Arthritis Score."

**Rheumatology Services and Specialist Access**

Direct access to rheumatologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment of arthritis. The "Arthritis Score" must evaluate the presence of rheumatologists serving Gloucester residents. Are there rheumatologists practicing within the ZIP code, or do patients need to travel to nearby cities like Morehead City or New Bern? Travel distance, appointment wait times, and the acceptance of various insurance plans by rheumatology practices all factor into the assessment. The availability of specific services, such as infusion therapy, joint injections, and access to advanced imaging (MRI, X-ray) within the local healthcare system, significantly impacts the "Arthritis Score."

**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**

Identifying standout primary care and rheumatology practices is crucial. The "Arthritis Score" will consider practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize evidence-based treatment protocols, and actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and robust patient education programs would receive higher marks. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the availability of multilingual staff are also important considerations. The ability of practices to collaborate effectively, sharing patient information and coordinating care between PCPs and rheumatologists, directly benefits patients and enhances the "Arthritis Score."

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions. The "Arthritis Score" will assess the adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers. Are PCPs and rheumatologists offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals? Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve access for patients with mobility limitations, and facilitate timely follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services, especially for medication management, symptom monitoring, and patient education, would significantly improve the "Arthritis Score." The ease of use of these platforms and the availability of technical support for patients are also important considerations.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

Arthritis often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. The "Arthritis Score" must evaluate the availability of mental health resources and their integration into arthritis care. Are there mental health professionals (psychiatrists, therapists, counselors) practicing within the community? Are PCPs and rheumatologists screening patients for mental health issues? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health services? The integration of mental health support, including access to individual therapy, group support, and medication management, is crucial for comprehensive arthritis care and directly impacts the "Arthritis Score." The availability of mental health resources, particularly those specializing in chronic pain management, would be highly beneficial.

**Medication Management and Pharmacy Access**

Effective arthritis management relies heavily on medication adherence. The "Arthritis Score" must consider the ease of access to pharmacies and the availability of medication counseling services. Are there pharmacies within the ZIP code, or do patients need to travel to obtain their prescriptions? Do pharmacies offer medication synchronization programs, home delivery, or other services that improve medication adherence? The availability of pharmacist consultations, particularly for complex medication regimens, is a significant asset. The affordability of medications, considering insurance coverage and access to patient assistance programs, also plays a role in the "Arthritis Score."

**Community Resources and Support Groups**

Beyond medical services, community resources play a vital role in supporting arthritis patients. The "Arthritis Score" will assess the availability of local support groups, patient education programs, and resources for physical therapy and occupational therapy. Are there organizations that provide information, advocacy, and peer support for individuals with arthritis? The presence of these resources, along with access to exercise programs and assistive devices, contributes to a higher "Arthritis Score."

**Overall "Arthritis Score" and Conclusion**

The final "Arthritis Score" for Gloucester (ZIP code 28528) would be a composite assessment, weighing the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate good access to primary care, specialized rheumatology services, telemedicine, mental health support, and community resources. A low score would indicate challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and a lower quality of life for arthritis patients. The analysis reveals a need for continuous improvement in healthcare access and resources in Gloucester, NC.

**Call to Action**

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gloucester, NC (ZIP code 28528), including the locations of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations, enabling users to explore the geographical distribution of healthcare services and identify areas with potential access challenges.