02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.51 percent of the residents in 02537 has some form of health insurance. 32.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.79 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 02537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,631 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02537. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,595 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 642 health care providers accessible to residents in 02537, East Sandwich, Massachusetts.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in 02537 & Primary Care in East Sandwich

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians in East Sandwich, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02537), with a particular focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease management. We will assess the landscape based on publicly available data, recognizing that a comprehensive evaluation would require access to protected health information. This analysis provides an informed overview, highlighting key considerations for residents and their families.

East Sandwich, a charming coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The aging population, a demographic particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's, necessitates a robust and readily accessible primary care system. This analysis attempts to gauge the strength of that system.

One critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the precise ratio within a specific ZIP code requires detailed population data and physician counts. However, we can use publicly available resources to estimate. The overall physician density for Barnstable County, where East Sandwich resides, provides a broader context. If the county ratio is below the national average, it suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. This scarcity can be especially problematic for individuals with Alzheimer's, who often require frequent check-ups and medication adjustments.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Assessing the quality involves evaluating several aspects. This includes the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of specialized training in geriatrics or cognitive disorders, and the adoption of best practices in dementia care. While a formal ranking is impossible without detailed practice-level data, we can look for indicators of quality. These indicators include affiliations with reputable hospitals or healthcare systems, participation in quality improvement programs, and positive patient reviews (though these must be interpreted with caution).

Standout practices, if any, would likely be those demonstrating a commitment to geriatric care. These practices might have dedicated staff trained in dementia management, offer memory screenings, or collaborate with specialists in neurology or psychiatry. Identifying these practices would require detailed research, including contacting local healthcare providers and reviewing their websites for specific information.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. For individuals with Alzheimer's, telemedicine can facilitate virtual check-ups, medication management, and consultations with specialists. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms would receive a higher score in this analysis. This is particularly crucial in a community like East Sandwich, where transportation challenges might exist for some residents.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore crucial. Practices with integrated mental health services or strong referral networks to mental health providers would be considered more supportive of Alzheimer's patients. The ease of access to these resources is equally important.

The analysis also considers the availability of support services. These include memory care centers, adult day care programs, and support groups for caregivers. The presence of these resources within or near East Sandwich can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. Primary care practices that actively inform patients about these resources and facilitate connections would be viewed favorably.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the accessibility of care. This includes factors such as appointment availability, wait times, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that prioritize patient access and offer flexible scheduling options would receive higher marks. Navigating the healthcare system can be particularly challenging for individuals with cognitive impairment and their caregivers, so practices that simplify this process are highly valued.

The level of awareness and training in Alzheimer's disease among primary care physicians is also a key factor. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education programs related to dementia care, or that have physicians with specialized training in geriatrics or cognitive disorders, would be rated higher. This demonstrates a commitment to providing up-to-date and evidence-based care.

Another aspect to consider is the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can facilitate communication and coordination of care among different healthcare providers, which is especially important for patients with complex medical needs, such as those with Alzheimer's. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, including the ability to share information with specialists and other providers, would be viewed more favorably.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine is also important. This includes the use of remote monitoring devices, such as wearable sensors, that can track vital signs and detect changes in a patient's condition. Practices that embrace these technologies can provide more proactive and personalized care.

Finally, the analysis considers the practice's commitment to patient education. Providing patients and their families with clear and concise information about Alzheimer's disease, its progression, and available treatment options is crucial. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, or access to other resources would be viewed as more supportive.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Alzheimer's Score" for primary care in East Sandwich is a multifaceted process. It requires a thorough assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, support services, accessibility, physician training, EHR utilization, and patient education. While a definitive ranking requires more detailed data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of healthcare resources in East Sandwich and surrounding areas, consider exploring the maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides dynamic mapping tools that can help you visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant data, offering a valuable resource for navigating the healthcare system and making informed decisions.