28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.16 percent of the residents in 28651 has some form of health insurance. 43.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.67 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 28651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,006 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28651. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,460 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 672 health care providers accessible to residents in 28651, Millers Creek, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28651 and Primary Care Availability in Millers Creek**

Analyzing the availability of healthcare resources, specifically concerning arthritis care within ZIP code 28651 (which encompasses Millers Creek, North Carolina) demands a multi-faceted approach. It involves scrutinizing the physician landscape, gauging primary care access, evaluating the integration of telemedicine, and assessing the availability of supporting mental health services. This analysis aims to provide an "Arthritis Score" reflecting the overall accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing arthritis within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Millers Creek and the surrounding area, this ratio is a critical determinant of access. Researching the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), rheumatologists, and other specialists within the ZIP code and neighboring areas is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from insurance provider directories, can help establish this baseline. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for specialists like rheumatologists, can indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving specialized care. This would negatively impact the "Arthritis Score." Conversely, a higher ratio, particularly for PCPs who often serve as the initial point of contact, would contribute positively.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians is equally important. Are the available doctors clustered in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the area, making access easier for residents in different parts of Millers Creek? The presence of any multi-specialty clinics, which often offer a range of services under one roof, is also a key factor. These clinics can streamline care coordination, making it easier for patients to see multiple specialists and receive integrated treatment plans. This integrated approach would boost the "Arthritis Score."

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. This requires delving into online reviews, patient testimonials, and information about the practices' services. Are there practices known for their expertise in arthritis management? Do they offer comprehensive services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and patient education programs? Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis can also be considered favorably. The reputation of the physicians, their experience, and their commitment to patient-centered care all contribute significantly to the "Arthritis Score."

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. Examining which practices in ZIP code 28651 offer telemedicine services is essential. Do they provide virtual consultations, remote monitoring of symptoms, and online patient portals? Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have mobility limitations or live in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine would receive a higher "Arthritis Score" due to their enhanced accessibility.

Arthritis often has a significant impact on mental health. Chronic pain, limitations in physical activity, and the emotional toll of managing a chronic illness can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Arthritis Score." Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, readily accessible within the area? Do primary care practices or rheumatology practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers? The presence of support groups and other community resources for individuals with arthritis would also be considered positively. A strong network of mental health support will significantly improve the "Arthritis Score."

Analyzing primary care availability in Millers Creek is a crucial aspect of this assessment. Primary care physicians often serve as the gateway to specialized care, making timely access to them essential. The "Arthritis Score" will consider the availability of PCPs, their appointment scheduling practices, and their willingness to collaborate with specialists. Practices that offer same-day or next-day appointments, have extended hours, and utilize electronic health records to facilitate communication with specialists would receive higher scores. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services, would also be factored in.

Furthermore, the insurance landscape needs consideration. Does the area have a diverse range of insurance options, and are there specialists who accept a wide variety of insurance plans? Limited insurance coverage can create significant barriers to care, impacting the "Arthritis Score."

Data sources for this analysis would include the North Carolina Medical Board, insurance provider directories, online review platforms (like Healthgrades and Vitals), and local hospital websites. Information about telemedicine adoption could be gathered from practice websites, press releases, and direct inquiries to the practices. Data on mental health resources could be sourced from local mental health organizations, community centers, and government websites.

The "Arthritis Score" itself would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a score based on its impact on access and quality of care. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio would be assigned a score based on the number of physicians per 1,000 residents. The adoption of telemedicine would be scored based on the range of virtual services offered. The availability of mental health resources would be scored based on the number of mental health providers and the presence of support groups. The final "Arthritis Score" would provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for individuals with arthritis in ZIP code 28651 and the surrounding Millers Creek area.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of healthcare access.