28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 56.08 percent of the residents in 28543 has some form of health insurance. 8.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.72 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 28543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,629 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28543. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,968 health care providers accessible to residents in 28543, Tarawa Terrace, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in 28543 & Primary Care in Tarawa Terrace

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, with a specific focus on arthritis management, within the 28543 ZIP code (likely encompassing part of Jacksonville, North Carolina) and the town of Tarawa Terrace. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering factors relevant to individuals seeking care for arthritis and related conditions. This score will be based on physician-to-patient ratios, practice features, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of any good arthritis care plan is accessible and skilled primary care. In assessing the 28543 area, the first crucial metric is physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time dedicated to each patient. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards is essential to determine the precise ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data, however, often lags, and may not reflect the dynamic nature of medical practice. The analysis requires a comprehensive search to understand the number of active primary care physicians in 28543 and the estimated population served.

Tarawa Terrace, a smaller community, presents a different challenge. Primary care access is often dictated by the proximity to larger medical centers and the availability of practices accepting new patients. The analysis must consider the geographic distribution of practices, transportation options for patients, and whether the practices are affiliated with larger healthcare networks. This includes an assessment of the Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in the area, which may serve a significant portion of the population, particularly veterans who might be at higher risk for arthritis.

Beyond the raw numbers, the "Arthritis Score" must evaluate the characteristics of the practices themselves. This involves researching practice websites, online reviews, and patient testimonials. Key factors include the availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray facilities, which are crucial for arthritis diagnosis and monitoring. The presence of physical therapy services, which are often an integral part of arthritis management, is also a significant consideration. Practices offering comprehensive care, with easy access to specialists like rheumatologists, will score higher.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in 28543 and Tarawa Terrace offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of arthritis care, but they are essential. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The analysis must assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or through referrals to local mental health providers. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer access to therapists or counselors will receive a higher score, demonstrating a holistic approach to patient care.

Standout practices within the 28543 ZIP code and serving Tarawa Terrace will be identified based on their comprehensive approach to arthritis care. This includes those with a strong focus on patient education, offering support groups, or employing dedicated care coordinators. Practices that actively engage in patient outreach and provide educational materials on arthritis management will be highlighted. The analysis will also consider the practice's commitment to staying current with the latest advancements in arthritis treatment and management.

The assessment will also consider the diversity of the physician workforce. A diverse medical staff, including doctors of different backgrounds and specialties, can improve the cultural competency of care and better address the needs of a diverse patient population. The analysis will consider the availability of bilingual staff and the practice's commitment to providing equitable care to all patients.

The "Arthritis Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted importance of each factor. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, followed by the availability of on-site services, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The overall score will provide a relative ranking of the primary care options in the 28543 area and those serving Tarawa Terrace, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking arthritis care.

The final analysis will not provide a definitive numerical score due to the dynamic nature of the healthcare landscape. However, it will offer a detailed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the available primary care options. This will include a discussion of the challenges faced by patients, such as long wait times or limited access to specialists, and recommendations for improving the quality of care.

To fully visualize the spatial distribution of primary care practices, their proximity to patients, and the accessibility of resources, we recommend using interactive mapping tools.
**Explore the healthcare landscape in 28543 and Tarawa Terrace with CartoChrome maps.**