36453, Kinston, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36453, Kinston, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.80 percent of the residents in 36453 has some form of health insurance. 41.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.37 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 36453 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36453. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 538 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 239 health care providers accessible to residents in 36453, Kinston, Alabama.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Kinston, AL (ZIP Code 36453)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Kinston, Alabama (ZIP Code 36453), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) resources and related support systems. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" based on key indicators, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. This score will be subjective, relying on available data and informed estimations.

The primary care physician (PCP) landscape is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care. Early detection and management often hinge on the vigilance of PCPs. In Kinston, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a critical factor. While precise numbers are difficult to obtain without direct access to practice data, publicly available information suggests a potential shortage of PCPs in rural areas like Kinston. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect this challenge.

Availability of specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, is another crucial element. While PCPs can provide initial assessments and ongoing management, specialized expertise is often necessary for accurate diagnosis, advanced treatment strategies, and complex case management. The proximity of specialists to Kinston is a significant consideration. Travel distance to specialists in larger cities like Dothan or Montgomery can be a barrier, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers. The score will reflect the accessibility of these specialized resources.

Telemedicine adoption is a potential mitigating factor for geographical limitations. The ability to consult with specialists remotely can improve access to care, especially for those in rural areas. The extent to which PCPs and specialists in and around Kinston have embraced telemedicine is therefore important. Factors such as the availability of technology, patient comfort with virtual visits, and insurance coverage for telemedicine services will influence the score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers often experience significant emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and caregiver burnout. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), is therefore a vital component of the care ecosystem. The score will consider the presence and accessibility of these mental health resources in the Kinston area.

Identifying standout practices in Kinston is challenging without comprehensive data. However, certain practices may be more attuned to the needs of patients with Alzheimer's. These practices might have staff trained in dementia care, offer memory screenings, or actively participate in community outreach programs related to Alzheimer's. The score will attempt to reflect the presence of such practices, even if detailed information is limited.

The Alzheimer's Score for Kinston, AL (ZIP Code 36453) is therefore estimated to be a **3 out of 10**. This score reflects the potential challenges related to PCP shortages, the limited availability of specialists in the immediate area, and the potential reliance on resources outside the immediate community. The score also considers the likely limited adoption of telemedicine and the need for increased mental health support. While the community may have dedicated individuals and organizations working to support those affected by Alzheimer's, the overall healthcare infrastructure presents significant hurdles.

This score is not a definitive judgment but rather a starting point for understanding the complexities of Alzheimer's care in Kinston. It highlights areas where improvements are needed to ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers receive the support and care they deserve.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Kinston likely poses a significant challenge. The limited number of PCPs may lead to delayed diagnoses and reduced access to ongoing care. This factor significantly impacts the score.

The availability of specialists, particularly neurologists and geriatricians, is another area of concern. The distance to specialists in larger cities can create barriers to care, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.

Telemedicine adoption could potentially improve access to care. However, the extent of telemedicine adoption in Kinston is unknown, and its impact on the score is therefore uncertain.

Mental health resources are crucial for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The availability of mental health professionals in Kinston and the surrounding areas is a key consideration.

The identification of standout practices is difficult without detailed data. However, the presence of practices with dementia-specific training and resources could positively impact the score.

The overall assessment reveals a healthcare landscape in Kinston that requires attention and improvement to adequately address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The challenges related to physician availability, specialist access, and the need for increased mental health support warrant further investigation and strategic interventions.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is a subjective assessment based on available data and estimations. It underscores the critical need for ongoing efforts to improve Alzheimer's care in Kinston. This includes initiatives to increase the number of PCPs, expand access to specialists, promote telemedicine adoption, and enhance mental health resources.

The healthcare landscape in Kinston, AL, presents both challenges and opportunities for improving Alzheimer's care. Addressing the identified shortcomings is crucial for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers receive the support and care they need to live fulfilling lives.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kinston and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide valuable visual representations of healthcare resources and their accessibility.