28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.56 percent of the residents in 28654 has some form of health insurance. 46.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.19 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 28654 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 276 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28654. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,215 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 753 health care providers accessible to residents in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28654 and Primary Care in Moravian Falls

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 28654, encompassing the Moravian Falls area, requires a multi-faceted approach. An "Arthritis Score" in this context isn't a clinical metric, but rather an assessment of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to support individuals managing arthritis, considering access to PCPs as the foundational element. This analysis considers factors like physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supporting services, especially those addressing mental health.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. While precise figures require accessing proprietary databases, publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board can offer estimations. Moravian Falls, being a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in terms of physician density compared to more urban areas. A lower physician-to-patient ratio suggests a greater burden on existing PCPs, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time dedicated to each patient, crucial considerations for arthritis sufferers.

The characteristics of the existing practices within the ZIP code are equally important. Are the practices independent, or are they part of larger healthcare systems? Larger systems often have more resources, including specialized staff, advanced diagnostic equipment, and integrated electronic health records (EHRs). These resources can improve the efficiency of care and facilitate better communication between specialists and the patient's primary care physician. For individuals with arthritis, this is particularly important because their care often involves multiple specialists, such as rheumatologists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists.

Standout practices, if any, within 28654, would be those demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, technological innovation, and comprehensive services. This could include practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs. A practice that actively engages in patient education, provides clear and accessible information about arthritis management, and fosters a strong patient-physician relationship would also score highly.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape, especially in rural areas like Moravian Falls. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent check-ins, allowing PCPs to monitor patients' conditions and adjust treatment plans more effectively.

The availability of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the overall impact of arthritis on daily life can significantly contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. A high "Arthritis Score" would reflect the presence of readily accessible mental health services, either within the primary care practice itself or through established referral networks. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health professionals, or readily available information about mental health support groups and resources.

Specific examples of practices within 28654 are difficult to assess without direct access to their internal information. However, the presence of a practice that emphasizes patient education through online resources, offers telehealth appointments, and collaborates with local physical therapy clinics would be a positive indicator. Conversely, practices with long wait times, limited appointment availability, and a lack of integrated mental health support would likely receive a lower score.

Furthermore, the overall healthcare infrastructure of the surrounding county (Wilkes County) plays a role. Are there hospitals nearby with rheumatology departments? Are there pharmacies readily accessible to fill prescriptions? The availability of these supporting services contributes to the overall quality of care for arthritis patients.

The "Arthritis Score" would be a dynamic metric, constantly evolving based on changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of new technologies and services. Regular updates would be essential to provide an accurate reflection of the healthcare landscape in Moravian Falls.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Arthritis Score" for 28654 requires a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. While the specific details of individual practices are not available for this analysis, the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – are crucial determinants of access to quality care for individuals managing arthritis. The presence of a supportive and well-resourced primary care system is the foundation upon which effective arthritis management is built.

To gain a more detailed and visually intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Moravian Falls and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice types, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, providing a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and community planners alike.