The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 31824, Preston, Georgia is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 80.55 percent of the residents in 31824 has some form of health insurance. 54.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.26 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 31824 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 271 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31824. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 220 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 132 health care providers accessible to residents in 31824, Preston, Georgia.
Health Scores in 31824, Preston, Georgia
Alzheimers Score | 3 |
---|---|
People Score | 29 |
Provider Score | 14 |
Hospital Score | 27 |
Travel Score | 16 |
31824 | Preston | Georgia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Preston, GA (ZIP Code 31824)**
This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care and associated resources within Preston, Georgia (ZIP Code 31824), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, reflecting the community's capacity to support individuals affected by this debilitating condition. The analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources.
**Physician Availability and Primary Care Landscape**
Preston, Georgia, is a small rural community. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of the Alzheimer's Score. A limited number of primary care physicians directly impacts access to early diagnosis, ongoing management, and crucial referrals to specialists like neurologists and geriatricians. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely a significant concern in this area. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, delayed or inadequate care.
The primary care practices in and around 31824 must be evaluated. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices with multiple physicians and support staff? Group practices often offer advantages, such as shared resources, broader expertise, and the ability to cover for each other, ensuring continuity of care. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also enhance access to care, especially in areas with physician shortages. These healthcare professionals often play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like Alzheimer's, under the supervision of a physician.
**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics**
Identifying "standout" practices requires a deeper dive into their specific characteristics. Do any local practices have specialized training or experience in geriatric care or cognitive health? Do they offer memory screenings or cognitive assessments as part of their routine care? The presence of these services indicates a proactive approach to early detection and management of Alzheimer's.
Another critical factor is the practice's approach to patient education and support. Does the practice provide educational materials for patients and caregivers about Alzheimer's disease, its progression, and available resources? Are they connected to local support groups or community organizations that offer assistance to families affected by the disease? Practices that prioritize patient and caregiver education and support demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in 31824 is a crucial element of the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine can improve access to care by enabling remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities.
The availability of telemedicine capabilities can also facilitate access to specialists. For example, a primary care physician can conduct a virtual consultation with a neurologist, allowing for expert advice and recommendations without the patient having to travel long distances. The ability to remotely monitor patients' vital signs and symptoms can also aid in early detection of changes in their condition.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance**
Alzheimer's disease is inextricably linked to mental health. Patients often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health resources in Preston is therefore a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score.
The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the area is vital. Are there mental health clinics or counseling services available? Does the primary care practice have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? The ability to quickly access mental health support is essential for both patients and caregivers.
The existence of support groups specifically for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families is another important indicator. These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, offering emotional support, and learning coping strategies. The Alzheimer's Association and other organizations often provide these resources.
**Alzheimer's Score Calculation and Overall Assessment**
Based on the factors discussed, an Alzheimer's Score can be calculated. This score would reflect the overall capacity of the community to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The score would consider physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.
A high score would indicate a community with strong primary care access, practices with specialized expertise, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing appropriate care and support.
The overall assessment for Preston, GA (31824) would likely be influenced by its rural nature. The limited availability of physicians and specialists may pose challenges. However, the community's score could be enhanced by proactive primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of robust mental health support networks.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
Understanding the healthcare landscape in Preston, GA, is crucial for those affected by Alzheimer's. The availability of primary care, the characteristics of local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources all contribute to the quality of care.
To visualize and better understand the distribution of these resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's maps can help you identify the location of primary care practices, specialists, mental health providers, and support services in and around Preston, GA (31824). Visit CartoChrome today to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available to you and your loved ones.
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