29684, Starr, South Carolina Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 29684, Starr, South Carolina is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.49 percent of the residents in 29684 has some form of health insurance. 31.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.55 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 29684 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,319 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29684. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 349 health care providers accessible to residents in 29684, Starr, South Carolina.

The analysis below provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for physicians in ZIP code 29684, focusing on their suitability for arthritis patients. This score considers various factors, including primary care availability in Starr, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview to help individuals seeking arthritis care in the area.

ZIP code 29684 encompasses Starr, South Carolina, a small town with a rural character. Primary care access is a crucial starting point. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) significantly impacts arthritis care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact, providing referrals to rheumatologists and managing overall patient health. Limited primary care availability can create a bottleneck, delaying diagnosis and treatment. The "Arthritis Score" thus gives weight to the density of PCPs per capita in Starr, factoring in wait times for appointments and the breadth of services offered by these practices.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical determinant of care quality. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times, rushed appointments, and a diminished ability for physicians to build strong patient relationships. The "Arthritis Score" evaluates the rheumatologist-to-patient ratio within 29684 and the surrounding areas. It also examines the availability of other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain management specialists, who are integral to comprehensive arthritis care. The presence of a multidisciplinary team positively influences the score.

Within the 29684 ZIP code, the "Arthritis Score" identifies standout practices based on several criteria. Practices that offer specialized arthritis care, such as early diagnosis programs or advanced treatment options, receive higher scores. The score also considers the practice's commitment to patient education, including providing resources on arthritis management, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials also receive favorable consideration, indicating a commitment to staying at the forefront of arthritis treatment.

Telemedicine adoption has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The "Arthritis Score" assesses the extent to which physicians in 29684 utilize telemedicine for arthritis consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Practices that offer telemedicine options receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health is often overlooked in arthritis care, but it is a crucial component of overall well-being. Chronic pain and disability associated with arthritis can significantly impact mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. The "Arthritis Score" evaluates the availability of mental health resources within the practices and the community. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals receive higher scores. The score also considers the practice's approach to addressing the psychological aspects of arthritis, such as providing counseling or support groups.

The "Arthritis Score" also examines the accessibility of practices. Factors such as wheelchair accessibility, convenient parking, and multilingual staff are considered. Practices that prioritize patient comfort and convenience receive higher scores. The score also considers the practice's responsiveness to patient inquiries and its commitment to providing excellent customer service.

The "Arthritis Score" is not a static measure; it is continuously updated to reflect changes in healthcare practices and community resources. The score is based on publicly available data, patient reviews, and direct inquiries to healthcare providers. The goal is to provide a dynamic and reliable assessment of arthritis care in the 29684 ZIP code.

The "Arthritis Score" also considers the cost of care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer transparent pricing information receive higher scores. The score also considers the availability of financial assistance programs for patients who may struggle to afford their care.

The "Arthritis Score" is a valuable tool for individuals seeking arthritis care in the Starr area. It provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, helping patients make informed decisions about their care. The score is designed to empower patients and promote access to high-quality arthritis care in the community.

To gain a visual representation of the "Arthritis Score" data and explore the healthcare landscape in 29684, we encourage you to utilize the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize the distribution of physicians, primary care availability, and other relevant factors, providing a clear and concise overview of the healthcare resources available in the area.