28676, State Road, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28676, State Road, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.39 percent of the residents in 28676 has some form of health insurance. 40.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.03 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 28676 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 637 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28676. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 811 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28676, State Road, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28676 & Primary Care Availability in State Road

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on resources relevant to arthritis sufferers, within ZIP code 28676 and the town of State Road, North Carolina. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for individuals managing this chronic condition. This score will be based on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support. The final assessment will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in this area, offering insights valuable to patients and healthcare providers alike.

The foundation of a good "Arthritis Score" lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 28676 and State Road, being smaller communities, likely face challenges related to physician distribution. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient, and potential difficulties in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship – all critical factors for effective arthritis management. Assessing the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. This data would reveal the number of active PCPs within the ZIP code and the corresponding population.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of existing practices significantly impact the "Arthritis Score." Are practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with the necessary diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines, often needed to monitor arthritis progression? Do they have experience managing chronic conditions like arthritis? Practices that offer specialized services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or rheumatology referrals within the same facility or through strong referral networks, would earn higher scores. This integrated approach streamlines care, reducing the burden on patients and improving overall outcomes. Investigating the practice websites, patient reviews, and direct inquiries to the practices themselves would provide valuable insights into their service offerings.

Telemedicine adoption represents another crucial component of the "Arthritis Score." Telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. Researching the practices' websites and contacting them directly to inquire about their telemedicine services is essential.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health plays a significant role in arthritis management. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health resources, such as on-site therapists, referrals to mental health professionals, or support groups, would receive a higher score. Examining the practice's website, inquiring directly, and reviewing patient testimonials can provide insight into their mental health support.

Identifying standout practices is key to this analysis. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, integrate multiple services, embrace telemedicine, and prioritize mental health support would be considered high-scoring practices. These practices often have well-trained staff, efficient appointment scheduling, and a focus on patient education. Identifying these practices involves a comprehensive review of available data, including patient reviews, practice websites, and direct communication with the practices.

The "Arthritis Score" for this area will be a composite score, considering all the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in arthritis management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and practice characteristics might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, though all factors contribute to the overall score. The final score will be a qualitative assessment, providing a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 28676 and State Road.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. The availability of data can be a challenge, and the accuracy of information relies on the sources used. Patient reviews, while valuable, may not always reflect the complete picture. This analysis is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Changes in physician availability, practice offerings, and telemedicine adoption can occur rapidly.

Despite these limitations, this "Arthritis Score" analysis provides valuable insights into the healthcare resources available to arthritis sufferers in ZIP code 28676 and State Road. It highlights the importance of access to primary care, the characteristics of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health support. It can be used to inform patients about the best options for care and to encourage healthcare providers to improve their services.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in this area and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in ZIP code 28676 and State Road.