28572, Pink Hill, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28572, Pink Hill, North Carolina is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.80 percent of the residents in 28572 has some form of health insurance. 34.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.61 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 28572 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,665 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28572. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,210 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 198 health care providers accessible to residents in 28572, Pink Hill, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Pink Hill, NC (ZIP Code 28572)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28572 ZIP code, focusing specifically on the availability and quality of care for individuals managing arthritis. The assessment considers factors critical to arthritis management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pink Hill, NC, for those living with arthritis.

The foundation of any arthritis care assessment is the availability of primary care. In Pink Hill, the limited population density and rural setting significantly impact the accessibility of PCPs. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend in rural areas like Pink Hill often reveals a shortage of physicians compared to urban centers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for arthritis patients. The Arthritis Score will reflect the impact of this ratio, factoring in the average wait times for appointments, the ease of scheduling, and the availability of same-day or urgent care options.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care delivered is paramount. The analysis will assess the presence of standout practices within the ZIP code or those serving the Pink Hill area. These practices are evaluated based on their demonstrated commitment to arthritis care. This includes factors such as the availability of on-site diagnostic tools (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound), the experience of physicians in managing arthritis, and the practice’s commitment to patient education and support. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to arthritis management, such as offering educational materials, support groups, or referrals to specialized services (e.g., physical therapy, rheumatology), will receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas where geographic barriers can limit access to healthcare. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of telemedicine services offered by PCPs in the area. This includes assessing whether virtual consultations are offered, the ease of accessing these services, and the types of conditions that can be addressed through telemedicine. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, allowing patients to receive care remotely, will score favorably, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and basic consultations, thereby mitigating the challenges of distance and transportation.

The holistic management of arthritis necessitates addressing the often-overlooked aspect of mental health. Living with chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. The Arthritis Score will assess the integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting. This includes evaluating whether PCPs offer on-site mental health services, have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or screen patients for mental health concerns. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients will receive a higher score, recognizing the crucial link between physical and mental well-being in arthritis management.

Further, the analysis will consider the availability of ancillary services crucial to arthritis care. This includes assessing the proximity and accessibility of physical therapy clinics, pharmacies specializing in arthritis medications, and rheumatology specialists. While the ZIP code itself may not house these resources, the analysis will consider the ease of access to these services within a reasonable travel distance from Pink Hill. The Arthritis Score will reflect the availability of these supporting services, recognizing their importance in providing comprehensive arthritis care.

The score will also take into account the practice’s commitment to patient education and shared decision-making. This includes assessing whether physicians provide patients with clear and understandable information about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies. Practices that actively involve patients in their care, encouraging them to participate in decision-making and providing them with the tools and resources they need to manage their condition effectively, will receive a higher score. The availability of educational materials, support groups, and online resources will also be considered.

The final Arthritis Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in Pink Hill, NC, for individuals managing arthritis. It is important to note that this score is a relative assessment, reflecting the specific conditions and resources available in this particular geographic area. It is not intended to be a definitive judgment of any specific physician or practice, but rather a tool to help individuals navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about their care. The score will be presented in a format that is easy to understand, using a scoring system that reflects the relative importance of each factor considered.

The analysis will also consider the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their ability to share information with other healthcare providers. This includes assessing whether the practice uses an EHR system that allows for easy access to patient records, the ability to communicate with other providers, and the ability to track patient outcomes. Practices that have embraced technology and are committed to interoperability will receive a higher score, recognizing the importance of data sharing in providing coordinated and effective care.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for primary care in Pink Hill, NC, will reflect the complex interplay of factors influencing arthritis care. It will acknowledge the challenges of a rural setting while highlighting the strengths of individual practices and the potential for improvement. This analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for individuals seeking to manage their arthritis effectively within the constraints of their local healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pink Hill, NC, including physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Utilize their interactive mapping tools to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available to you.