28666, Icard, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28666, Icard, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28666 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.89 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 28666 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28666. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,901 health care providers accessible to residents in 28666, Icard, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28666 and Primary Care Availability in Icard**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for arthritis patients within a specific geographic area necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 28666, encompassing the town of Taylorsville, North Carolina, and examines primary care availability within the adjacent community of Icard. The goal is to provide an 'Arthritis Score' assessment, considering factors crucial to arthritis management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This assessment does not provide a numerical score but rather a qualitative evaluation of the landscape.

The foundation of effective arthritis care lies in accessible primary care. In Icard, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) serves as the initial filter. A scarcity of PCPs forces patients to travel further for initial diagnosis, referrals, and ongoing management. This directly impacts the arthritis score, as delayed access to care can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, often leads to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient during consultations. This can be detrimental for arthritis patients who require regular monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans.

Within ZIP Code 28666, the presence of rheumatologists is paramount. Rheumatologists are specialists specifically trained in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The availability of these specialists is a strong indicator of the quality of arthritis care. If rheumatologists are scarce or non-existent within the ZIP code, patients must travel to larger cities like Hickory or Statesville for specialized care. This travel burden adds to the challenges faced by arthritis patients, who may experience mobility limitations and chronic pain. The distance to specialized care significantly impacts the arthritis score, lowering it due to accessibility issues.

Beyond the simple presence of physicians, the quality of care provided by individual practices is a key factor. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for arthritis treatment, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (such as X-rays and blood work), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication and care coordination. Practices that prioritize patient education and offer support services, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, receive higher marks in this assessment. The availability of these ancillary services can greatly improve the quality of life for arthritis patients.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in arthritis management, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine boosts the arthritis score by improving convenience and reducing travel burdens. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as wearable sensors, can further enhance the quality of care by providing real-time data on patient activity levels and symptom severity.

The link between arthritis and mental health is well-established. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of the arthritis score. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The presence of support groups and educational programs further enhances the mental well-being of arthritis patients.

The overall assessment of the arthritis score in ZIP Code 28666 and Icard must consider the combined impact of all these factors. The ideal scenario involves a sufficient number of PCPs in Icard, a readily accessible rheumatologist within or near 28666, high-quality practices that adhere to evidence-based guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of robust mental health resources. The absence of any of these elements detracts from the overall score, indicating potential gaps in care and challenges for arthritis patients.

Standout practices are those that excel in multiple areas. They may have a rheumatologist on staff, actively use telemedicine, and have strong partnerships with physical therapists and mental health providers. They prioritize patient education and offer support groups. These practices serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area. Identifying and highlighting these practices is critical for guiding patients towards the best possible care.

The challenge of assessing primary care availability in Icard is compounded by the fact that it is a smaller community. The presence of a single PCP can significantly impact the physician-to-patient ratio. It is crucial to monitor the situation regularly, as physician availability can change. The availability of transportation options for patients in Icard is another factor to consider. Limited transportation options can further restrict access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations.

In conclusion, the 'Arthritis Score' for the combined area of ZIP Code 28666 and Icard is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While this analysis provides a qualitative assessment, a comprehensive understanding requires ongoing monitoring of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The data used to make these assessments is always changing.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient populations, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape, enabling you to identify areas with the greatest needs and opportunities for improvement.