28685, Traphill, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28685, Traphill, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.79 percent of the residents in 28685 has some form of health insurance. 42.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.63 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 28685 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 401 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28685. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 402 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 778 health care providers accessible to residents in 28685, Traphill, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28685 and Primary Care Availability in Traphill

Analyzing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing arthritis, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within and serving ZIP code 28685 (which includes Traphill, NC) and evaluates the resources available to patients with arthritis. We'll assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and consider the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive arthritis care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in a rural area like Traphill is a primary concern. The national average for PCPs is around 1:1,300. However, rural communities often face shortages, leading to higher ratios. Analyzing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, along with information from local hospitals and clinics, is essential to determine the precise ratio for 28685. A higher ratio indicates potentially longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased strain on existing physicians. This can directly impact arthritis patients who require regular check-ups, medication management, and referrals to specialists like rheumatologists.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals provide insights into patient satisfaction, communication skills, and the overall patient experience. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, particularly regarding empathy and thoroughness, are likely to be favored by arthritis patients. Furthermore, practices that offer a comprehensive approach to care, including on-site physical therapy, access to registered dietitians, and patient education programs, deserve recognition. The presence of certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) within a practice can also improve access, as they often provide care under the supervision of a physician.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or living in remote areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices in 28685 offer virtual appointments, the types of services offered (e.g., medication refills, follow-up consultations), and the ease of use of their telemedicine platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care to arthritis patients.

Mental health resources are crucial for individuals with arthritis. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the impact of the disease on daily life can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Assessing the availability of mental health services involves determining if PCPs in 28685 have established referral networks with local therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Practices that integrate mental health screenings into their routine care and offer resources for coping with chronic pain are particularly valuable. The availability of support groups, either in-person or online, can also provide crucial emotional support for arthritis patients.

In the context of Traphill, the availability of specialists is also a key consideration. Rheumatologists, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, are often located in larger cities. The analysis must assess the distance to the nearest rheumatology practices, the ease of making referrals, and the availability of transportation assistance for patients who may have difficulty traveling. Collaboration between PCPs and rheumatologists is essential for ensuring coordinated and comprehensive care.

To conduct a thorough analysis, it is necessary to gather data from multiple sources. This includes:

* **Public Health Data:** State and local health departments often publish data on physician supply, healthcare utilization, and health outcomes.
* **Hospital and Clinic Websites:** These websites provide information on physician rosters, services offered, and patient reviews.
* **Insurance Provider Directories:** These directories can be used to identify participating physicians and specialists.
* **Patient Reviews:** Online platforms such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences.
* **Local Community Resources:** Libraries, senior centers, and community health organizations can provide information on local healthcare services and support groups.

The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population in 28685, including age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases. This information is crucial for understanding the specific healthcare needs of the community and tailoring recommendations accordingly.

Based on the gathered data, the analysis will provide an Arthritis Score for each practice in 28685. The score will be based on the following criteria:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** (Weight: 20%) A higher ratio will result in a lower score.
* **Practice Reputation:** (Weight: 20%) Based on patient reviews and awards.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** (Weight: 15%) The availability and accessibility of telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** (Weight: 15%) The availability of mental health services and support.
* **Specialist Access:** (Weight: 15%) The ease of access to rheumatologists and other specialists.
* **Comprehensive Care:** (Weight: 15%) The availability of ancillary services like physical therapy and patient education.

The final Arthritis Score will be a composite score, with higher scores indicating better access to care and resources for arthritis patients. The analysis will also include specific recommendations for improving healthcare access and quality in 28685, such as promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and strengthening collaboration between PCPs and specialists.

This analysis is a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in 28685 and Traphill. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and the availability of services can change rapidly. Regularly updating this analysis is crucial to ensure that patients have access to the most current and accurate information.
For detailed mapping of healthcare resources in 28685 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.