28619, Drexel, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.86 percent of the residents in 28619 has some form of health insurance. 18.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.94 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 28619 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28619. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,413 health care providers accessible to residents in 28619, Drexel, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Drexel, NC (ZIP Code 28619)

This analysis evaluates the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within Drexel, North Carolina (ZIP code 28619), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and related mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Arthritis Score" assessment, offering insights for residents seeking care and highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective arthritis management rests on readily accessible primary care. Drexel's primary care landscape is a crucial factor. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from local healthcare providers, will provide an initial estimate. This ratio directly impacts appointment wait times, patient access, and the overall ability of the community to receive timely care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often translates to longer wait times and potentially reduced access, negatively impacting the arthritis score.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly influence the quality of arthritis care. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient needs? Do they have a strong focus on preventative care, including early screening for arthritis risk factors? Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer comprehensive physical exams, and proactively address potential arthritis symptoms will receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the assessment. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and symptom monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, will be viewed favorably. This approach can lead to improved patient outcomes and a higher arthritis score.

The presence and integration of mental health resources are also crucial. Arthritis, as a chronic condition, can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Primary care practices that actively screen for mental health concerns, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be considered more comprehensive in their approach to patient care. This holistic approach is essential for a positive arthritis score.

Identifying standout practices is a key part of the analysis. This involves examining patient reviews, surveying local healthcare providers, and assessing the availability of specialized services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer comprehensive arthritis management programs, and actively participate in community outreach initiatives will be highlighted. These practices often serve as models for best practices and contribute significantly to a higher arthritis score for the community.

The assessment will also consider the availability of specialized arthritis care within or near Drexel. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, access to rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists is vital for comprehensive arthritis management. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the coordination of care between different healthcare providers will be evaluated. Limited access to specialized care will negatively impact the overall arthritis score.

The analysis will also consider the availability of support groups and patient education resources. These resources can empower patients to actively manage their condition, connect with others facing similar challenges, and improve their overall quality of life. Practices that promote patient education, offer support groups, and provide access to reliable information sources will receive a higher score.

The "Arthritis Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, access to specialists, and patient resources will each contribute to the final score. The score will provide a clear indication of the accessibility and quality of arthritis care available in Drexel, NC.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Factors such as insurance coverage, transportation availability, and language barriers can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care. The assessment will consider these factors and their potential impact on the overall arthritis score.

The final report will provide a detailed breakdown of the "Arthritis Score," highlighting areas of strength and weakness within the Drexel healthcare landscape. It will offer specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and strengthening mental health integration.

The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used by residents, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to improve the quality of arthritis care in Drexel. This comprehensive assessment will serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking care and a roadmap for enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in the community.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Drexel, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to specialized services, we encourage you to explore the comprehensive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to visualize the data and gain a better understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.