28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28628 has some form of health insurance. 57.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 28628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28628. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,113 health care providers accessible to residents in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Glen Alpine, NC (ZIP Code 28628)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, specifically concerning arthritis management, within Glen Alpine, North Carolina (ZIP code 28628), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the landscape of primary care physicians, evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, assess the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals suffering from arthritis. The goal is to produce an "Arthritis Score" analysis, evaluating the overall healthcare environment's suitability for arthritis patients.

The foundation of arthritis care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). Their role in initial diagnosis, management of symptoms, and referral to specialists is critical. Evaluating the number of PCPs practicing within the 28628 ZIP code is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from insurance provider directories, allows for an estimation of the PCP pool. The subsequent step is to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. This involves estimating the population of Glen Alpine and dividing it by the number of practicing PCPs. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to primary care. A high ratio could suggest potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

Beyond the sheer number of PCPs, the quality of care they provide is paramount. This involves evaluating their experience, training, and the resources available within their practices. Assessing their familiarity with the various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, is essential. Do they possess the diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines and laboratory services, necessary for initial assessment and ongoing monitoring? Do they have established referral pathways to rheumatologists and other specialists? Researching patient reviews and online ratings can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care.

Identifying standout practices within the 28628 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care might have dedicated staff trained in arthritis management, offer patient education programs, or participate in clinical trials. These practices often prioritize patient communication, providing clear explanations of diagnoses, treatment options, and potential side effects. They may also actively collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists and occupational therapists, to provide a holistic approach to patient care. Identifying these standout practices can significantly improve the "Arthritis Score."

Telemedicine has rapidly transformed healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Glen Alpine. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists can significantly improve the "Arthritis Score." Telemedicine offers several advantages for arthritis patients. It allows for remote consultations, reducing the need for travel, especially beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations. It facilitates remote monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence. It also provides access to specialists who may not be readily available in the immediate vicinity. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the platforms they use, the types of services offered, and their accessibility to patients, is a critical component of the analysis.

The impact of mental health on arthritis management cannot be overstated. Chronic pain, mobility limitations, and the potential for disability can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in evaluating the "Arthritis Score." This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the 28628 ZIP code. Do local practices offer integrated mental health services? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Are support groups or other resources available for arthritis patients? A comprehensive assessment of mental health resources is essential for ensuring a holistic approach to arthritis care.

The "Arthritis Score" for Glen Alpine, NC (28628) is a dynamic assessment. It reflects the current healthcare landscape and the resources available to arthritis patients. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that prioritizes arthritis care, with a sufficient number of PCPs, access to specialists, adoption of telemedicine, and availability of mental health resources. A lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing quality care. The score is not a static number but a reflection of the overall healthcare ecosystem.

The analysis should not only identify existing resources but also highlight areas for improvement. This might include advocating for increased access to specialists, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or supporting the development of mental health services tailored to the needs of arthritis patients. This analysis should be a living document, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final "Arthritis Score" will be a composite of these factors, weighted according to their relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources will all contribute to the final score. The score will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the healthcare environment in Glen Alpine and identifying areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the "Arthritis Score" analysis for Glen Alpine, NC (28628) is a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare resources available to arthritis patients. This analysis considers the number of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Glen Alpine and gain a visual understanding of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive visualization of the healthcare environment, allowing for a more in-depth analysis and a better understanding of the resources available to arthritis patients.