08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.34 percent of the residents in 08247 has some form of health insurance. 47.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.59 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 08247 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08247. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 554 health care providers accessible to residents in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 08247 and Primary Care Availability in Stone Harbor

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP Code 08247 (Stone Harbor, NJ) provides valuable insights into the availability of essential services, particularly for conditions like arthritis. This analysis will assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their associated resources, offering an "Arthritis Score" perspective, considering factors crucial for managing this chronic condition.

The "Arthritis Score" in this context is not a formal, standardized medical metric. Instead, it’s a qualitative assessment based on factors directly impacting arthritis patients: access to PCPs, specialist referrals, telemedicine options, mental health support, and overall practice quality. This analysis is designed to highlight areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare ecosystem.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of arthritis management. Regular check-ups, early diagnosis, and ongoing care coordination are essential. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better accessibility. In Stone Harbor, this ratio needs to be carefully examined. Publicly available data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services can be used to determine the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and compare it to the population size. A low ratio would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences the score. Factors like the availability of electronic health records (EHRs), which facilitate efficient information sharing between providers, are critical. EHRs allow for better coordination of care, especially when referrals to rheumatologists or physical therapists are needed. Practices with robust EHR systems contribute positively to the Arthritis Score.

Another important aspect is the practice's approach to patient education. Does the practice offer educational materials about arthritis management, including lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and coping strategies? Practices prioritizing patient education enhance the Arthritis Score by empowering patients to actively participate in their care.

Specialist referrals are a vital component of arthritis treatment. Rheumatologists are the primary specialists for diagnosing and treating arthritis. The ease of referral to rheumatologists, and the average wait times for appointments with these specialists, significantly impact the Arthritis Score. If PCPs have established relationships with local rheumatologists and can expedite referrals, the score improves. Conversely, long wait times or difficulty securing referrals negatively affect the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare. Practices offering telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations, receive a higher Arthritis Score. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, improve access to care, and enhance patient convenience.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in arthritis care, but their impact is undeniable. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly affect mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, receive a higher score. This integration acknowledges the holistic nature of arthritis care and addresses the psychological aspects of the disease.

Standout practices within ZIP Code 08247, if any, would be identified based on these criteria. Practices demonstrating excellence in multiple areas, such as high physician-to-patient ratios, robust EHR systems, patient education programs, efficient referral processes, telemedicine options, and integrated mental health services, would be recognized as leaders in arthritis care. Conversely, practices lacking these features would negatively impact the overall Arthritis Score.

The Arthritis Score also considers the availability of ancillary services. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and access to durable medical equipment (DME) like braces or assistive devices are crucial for managing arthritis. The proximity and accessibility of these services influence the score. Practices located near physical therapy clinics or those that can readily connect patients with DME suppliers contribute positively to the score.

Furthermore, the Arthritis Score accounts for the practice's responsiveness to patient needs. Do practices offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening or weekend hours? Do they have dedicated staff to assist patients with insurance questions and medication refills? Practices that prioritize patient convenience and offer excellent customer service receive a higher score.

The overall Arthritis Score for ZIP Code 08247 will be determined by assessing the collective performance of primary care practices based on these factors. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare ecosystem for arthritis patients, characterized by readily available PCPs, efficient referral processes, telemedicine options, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to patient education and convenience. A low score would suggest areas for improvement, such as increasing physician-to-patient ratios, improving access to specialists, and expanding telemedicine and mental health services.

This analysis is an overview. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data collection and analysis, including patient surveys, provider interviews, and a review of practice websites and other publicly available information. The final Arthritis Score is a reflection of the overall healthcare environment in Stone Harbor, NJ, and its ability to support the needs of individuals living with arthritis.

To visualize and explore the healthcare landscape in Stone Harbor, including the location of primary care practices, specialist offices, and ancillary services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more informed understanding of access and availability.