28739, Hendersonville, North Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 28739, Hendersonville, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.65 percent of the residents in 28739 has some form of health insurance. 44.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.63 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 28739 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,836 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28739. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,708 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,970 health care providers accessible to residents in 28739, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

**Arthritis Score Analysis: Hendersonville, NC (ZIP Code 28739)**

This analysis delves into the accessibility and quality of arthritis care within Hendersonville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28739), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Arthritis Score assessment, offering insights for residents seeking effective arthritis management.

Hendersonville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, experiences a population with a significant aging demographic. This demographic often translates to a higher prevalence of arthritis conditions, making the availability of quality care particularly crucial. The Arthritis Score considers several key factors to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of effective arthritis management often rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians (PCPs). They serve as the initial point of contact, providing diagnoses, treatment plans, and referrals to specialists. Assessing the availability of PCPs is therefore paramount. In Hendersonville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. The analysis considers publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau to calculate this ratio accurately. It examines the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and compares this to the population size.

Furthermore, the analysis investigates the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code. Are practices clustered in certain areas, potentially creating access disparities for residents in more remote locations? This involves mapping the locations of primary care practices and assessing their proximity to residential areas. This assessment helps determine if the distribution is equitable across the community.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Beyond mere availability, the quality of primary care practices is crucial. The Arthritis Score evaluates specific practices based on several criteria. These include the types of services offered, the experience of the physicians, and patient satisfaction levels. The analysis examines the presence of on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray facilities, which can expedite the diagnostic process for arthritis. Practices that offer a comprehensive range of services, including physical therapy and rheumatology referrals, receive higher scores.

The experience of physicians is also a factor. The analysis considers the years of experience of the PCPs within each practice, looking for physicians with a proven track record in treating arthritis. Patient reviews and ratings, gathered from online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, are also considered. These reviews offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall quality of care. Practices with consistently positive reviews and a reputation for patient-centered care receive higher scores.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like arthritis, particularly in rural areas where access to care can be challenging. The Arthritis Score assesses the extent to which primary care practices in Hendersonville have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and secure online portals for patient communication. Practices that offer telemedicine options receive higher scores, as they demonstrate a commitment to providing convenient and accessible care.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for arthritis patients, as it allows for regular check-ins with their physicians, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms without requiring frequent in-person visits. This can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the burden of travel for those with mobility limitations. The analysis also considers the types of telemedicine platforms used by the practices, evaluating their ease of use, security features, and integration with electronic health records.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance**

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Pain, disability, and the challenges of managing a chronic illness can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The Arthritis Score assesses the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices and in the broader community. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, receive higher scores.

The analysis also examines the availability of support groups, educational programs, and other resources that can help arthritis patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of their condition. The presence of these resources demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. This assessment considers the collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers, ensuring that patients have access to comprehensive care.

**Overall Arthritis Score and Conclusion**

The final Arthritis Score for Hendersonville (ZIP Code 28739) is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The score provides a general assessment of the accessibility and quality of arthritis care in the area. It is important to note that this score is a snapshot in time and may vary depending on the data sources used and the specific criteria applied.

The analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for residents of Hendersonville seeking arthritis care. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. The assessment can also serve as a guide for healthcare providers, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities to enhance the quality of care for arthritis patients.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Hendersonville, including the geographic distribution of practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the complexities of healthcare access in the area.