28735, Gerton, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28735, Gerton, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28735 has some form of health insurance. 40.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.41 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 28735 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28735. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 91 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,055 health care providers accessible to residents in 28735, Gerton, North Carolina.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28735 & Primary Care in Gerton

This analysis provides an Arthritis Score assessment for medical resources within ZIP Code 28735 (Gerton, North Carolina) and focuses on primary care availability, a critical factor in managing arthritis. The score is based on several key metrics, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact the quality of care for arthritis sufferers. This analysis does not involve a specific numerical score, but rather a qualitative assessment of the existing landscape.

The primary challenge in Gerton, and indeed many rural areas, is the limited availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio in 28735 is likely to be less favorable compared to more urbanized areas. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment for arthritis. The lack of readily available primary care physicians forces patients to seek care in neighboring towns, increasing travel time and potentially hindering consistent follow-up care, crucial for managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

The quality of care offered by existing practices is another critical factor. Assessing this involves evaluating the practices' approach to arthritis management. This includes the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines, which can expedite the diagnostic process. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, utilizing the latest treatment guidelines and offering a range of therapeutic options, will score higher. Furthermore, the presence of specialized staff, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, directly impacts the comprehensive care available to arthritis patients.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in bridging the geographical gap and improving access to care. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are better equipped to serve patients, especially those with mobility limitations or residing in remote areas. Telemedicine can facilitate medication management, provide ongoing support, and allow for regular check-ins, all of which contribute to better arthritis management. The availability of telemedicine services is particularly crucial in a rural area like Gerton, where travel can be a significant barrier to care.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a vital component of comprehensive arthritis care. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Practices that recognize this and offer access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with arthritis, leading to improved quality of life and better adherence to treatment plans.

Standout practices within 28735, if any, would be those that excel in several of the above areas. They would likely have a reasonable patient-to-physician ratio, employ a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, embrace telemedicine to extend their reach, and actively integrate mental health services into their care model. These practices would likely be recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care and their ability to provide comprehensive support for arthritis sufferers. The absence of such practices would indicate an area for improvement.

The analysis also needs to consider the specific resources available within the Gerton community. This includes the presence of local pharmacies that can provide medication management support and educational materials. The availability of support groups or community programs focused on arthritis management can significantly benefit patients by providing peer support and access to valuable information. The presence or absence of these community resources contributes to the overall Arthritis Score.

The effectiveness of the local healthcare system in managing arthritis also depends on the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers. This includes seamless communication between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals involved in a patient's care. The existence of referral networks and shared electronic health records can improve care coordination and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment. A fragmented healthcare system, on the other hand, can lead to delays in care, duplication of efforts, and poorer patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the Arthritis Score for doctors in ZIP Code 28735 and primary care availability in Gerton is likely influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare. The limited physician availability, coupled with the need for comprehensive care, underscores the importance of practices adopting innovative approaches like telemedicine and integrating mental health services. The presence of specialized staff and strong community resources further enhances the quality of care. The success of arthritis management in Gerton hinges on the ability of local healthcare providers to address these challenges and provide patient-centered, comprehensive care.

To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gerton and surrounding areas, including the locations of medical practices, specialists, and available resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide valuable insights into the distribution of healthcare providers and help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively.