28584, Swansboro, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.20 percent of the residents in 28584 has some form of health insurance. 39.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.45 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 28584 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,421 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28584. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,146 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,838 health care providers accessible to residents in 28584, Swansboro, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score: A Deep Dive into Primary Care in Swansboro, NC (ZIP Code 28584)

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care within Swansboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 28584) is crucial for understanding the support system available to individuals managing arthritis. This analysis, framed as an "Arthritis Score," considers various factors impacting patient care, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape for those living with arthritis in this specific geographic area.

One of the foundational elements of the Arthritis Score is physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 28584 ZIP code is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from insurance provider directories and local healthcare networks, will be used to ascertain this. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, would negatively impact the Arthritis Score, as it can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially, less personalized attention. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and a more robust healthcare infrastructure.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are essential. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the types of practices available. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger, multi-specialty groups? Larger groups often offer the advantage of integrated services, including on-site physical therapy, rheumatology referrals, and potentially, access to clinical trials. The presence of these integrated services would positively influence the score. The quality of a practice also includes its accreditation, its patient satisfaction ratings (gathered from public sources like Healthgrades or Vitals), and its responsiveness to patient needs.

Identifying standout practices within Swansboro is a key aspect of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, particularly for those with chronic conditions like arthritis, will be highlighted. This includes practices that proactively manage patient health through preventative screenings, medication management, and patient education programs. The Arthritis Score will consider practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for seamless communication between providers and better care coordination. Practices with dedicated staff trained in arthritis management, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants specializing in rheumatology, would receive higher marks.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for arthritis patients, including increased convenience, reduced travel time, and improved access to specialists. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online patient portals will be viewed favorably. The Arthritis Score will assess the availability of telemedicine services, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of these services into the overall care plan. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing a seamless and accessible experience for patients, will significantly enhance their score.

Furthermore, the Arthritis Score will assess the availability of mental health resources. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental well-being. Patients often experience pain, fatigue, and limitations in their daily activities, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the presence of mental health services within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, will receive higher scores. The ability to address the psychological aspects of arthritis is crucial for holistic patient care.

The analysis will also consider the accessibility of specialty care, particularly rheumatology. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis patients, rheumatologists are essential for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of the condition. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the proximity and availability of rheumatologists in the surrounding area, considering factors like travel time and appointment wait times. Easy access to rheumatology care is critical for effective arthritis management, and practices that facilitate referrals to rheumatologists will be viewed positively.

In addition to these factors, the Arthritis Score will consider the availability of support groups and patient education resources. These resources can empower patients to manage their condition effectively, providing them with valuable information, support, and a sense of community. Practices that actively promote these resources, either through internal programs or external partnerships, will receive higher scores. Patient education is a crucial component of arthritis management, and practices that prioritize this aspect of care will be recognized.

Finally, the Arthritis Score will consider the affordability of care. The cost of healthcare, including doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy, can be a significant burden for arthritis patients. The analysis will consider the acceptance of various insurance plans, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the transparency of pricing. Practices that are committed to providing affordable care will be viewed favorably.

By considering all these factors, the Arthritis Score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the primary care landscape in Swansboro, NC (28584) for individuals living with arthritis. This analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system, providing valuable insights for patients, providers, and policymakers.

For a visual representation of this healthcare landscape, including the location of practices, physician density, and other relevant data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in Swansboro and the surrounding areas.