28734, Franklin, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.85 percent of the residents in 28734 has some form of health insurance. 46.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.08 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 28734 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,804 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28734. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,688 health care providers accessible to residents in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Franklin, NC (ZIP Code 28734)

This analysis provides an “Arthritis Score” assessment for medical resources in Franklin, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28734), focusing on primary care availability and related services relevant to arthritis management. This score is not a definitive medical ranking but rather an evaluation of resource accessibility and potential challenges for individuals managing arthritis in this specific geographic area. The analysis incorporates factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive arthritis care.

The foundation of effective arthritis management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. In Franklin, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall ratio in Macon County (where Franklin is located) often reflects a potential shortage, particularly for primary care physicians. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnoses and treatment plans. The Arthritis Score is negatively impacted by this potential access barrier, highlighting the need for strategies to improve physician availability. This could involve incentivizing medical professionals to practice in the area, expanding existing practices, or exploring innovative healthcare delivery models.

Within Franklin, the availability of specialists is another crucial element. While primary care physicians often manage initial arthritis cases, referral to rheumatologists is often necessary for accurate diagnosis, specialized treatment plans, and ongoing care. The presence and accessibility of rheumatologists in the immediate area, or within a reasonable travel distance, significantly impacts the Arthritis Score. The analysis considers the number of rheumatologists practicing within a 30-mile radius, their appointment availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. A higher concentration of specialists, with readily available appointments, contributes positively to the overall score.

Standout practices within Franklin are assessed based on several criteria. These include the integration of comprehensive arthritis care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management services. Practices that offer on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray facilities, are also viewed favorably. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, which facilitate communication and access to medical information, are also considered. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education and support groups, further enhancing the Arthritis Score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The Arthritis Score evaluates the extent to which primary care physicians and specialists in Franklin offer telemedicine consultations. This includes the availability of virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine, improving access to care and reducing the burden of travel for patients, receive a higher score in this category.

The impact of mental health on arthritis management is significant. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The Arthritis Score assesses the availability of mental health resources in Franklin, including access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their arthritis care protocols are viewed positively. Collaboration between primary care physicians, rheumatologists, and mental health professionals is essential for comprehensive patient care, boosting the overall score.

Specific examples of practices and their attributes are considered. For instance, a primary care practice with a reputation for providing excellent patient education materials on arthritis management would receive a positive assessment. A rheumatologist known for utilizing innovative treatment approaches, such as biologic therapies, would also positively influence the score. The analysis acknowledges the presence of local hospitals and their capacity to provide specialized services, such as infusion therapy for arthritis medications. The overall assessment is a holistic view of the available resources, their accessibility, and their quality.

The Arthritis Score also considers the availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These therapies are crucial for maintaining mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life for individuals with arthritis. The analysis evaluates the number of physical therapists and occupational therapists practicing in Franklin, their specialization in arthritis care, and the accessibility of their services. Practices that offer these services on-site or have strong referral networks with qualified therapists contribute positively to the score.

Patient reviews and feedback are incorporated into the analysis. Online reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication effectiveness, and the overall quality of care. The Arthritis Score considers the sentiment expressed in patient reviews, recognizing practices with consistently positive feedback. This patient-centric approach is essential for a meaningful assessment of healthcare resources.

Medication access is another critical factor. The analysis considers the availability of pharmacies in Franklin and their ability to provide timely access to arthritis medications, including specialty drugs. The ease of medication refills, the availability of medication assistance programs, and the pharmacist’s knowledge of arthritis medications are all considered. Practices that assist patients in navigating medication access challenges receive a higher score.

Finally, the analysis acknowledges the challenges associated with providing healthcare in a rural setting. Limited public transportation, geographical distances, and the potential for social isolation can all impact arthritis patients. The Arthritis Score considers the availability of community resources, such as support groups, transportation assistance programs, and home healthcare services, to mitigate these challenges.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for Franklin, NC (ZIP Code 28734) is a multifaceted assessment of healthcare resources, accessibility, and quality. The score is influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the integration of comprehensive arthritis care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing arthritis in this specific geographic area.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare resources in Franklin, NC, and to explore the geographic distribution of physicians, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that can help you visualize the information discussed in this analysis and identify the healthcare resources that best meet your needs.