02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.63 percent of the residents in 02791 has some form of health insurance. 44.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.13 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 02791 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02791. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 182 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 847 health care providers accessible to residents in 02791, Westport Point, Massachusetts.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02791 & Primary Care Availability in Westport Point**

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare, particularly concerning Alzheimer's care, within a specific geographic area demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 02791, encompassing Westport Point, Massachusetts, to assess the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) and their capacity to address the needs of individuals potentially facing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The goal is to provide an 'Alzheimer's Score' assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

The foundation of this assessment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can create significant challenges for residents. It can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased stress on the existing healthcare system. Unfortunately, publicly available data on physician-to-patient ratios at the ZIP code level can be challenging to obtain with pinpoint accuracy. However, using publicly available resources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), we can approximate the ratio. The 02791 ZIP code is a relatively small, predominantly residential area. Therefore, if the ratio is below the national average, this is a negative impact on the 'Alzheimer's Score'.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the area is critical. This involves researching practices with demonstrated expertise in geriatric care and cognitive health. Look for physicians who are board-certified in geriatrics or have a strong focus on managing chronic conditions common in older adults, including cognitive decline. The practice's adoption of best practices, such as regular cognitive screenings, memory assessments, and early intervention strategies, is crucial. Furthermore, a practice's willingness to participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's disease would be a positive factor in the 'Alzheimer's Score'.

Telemedicine adoption is another key consideration. Telemedicine offers significant advantages, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. It allows patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even cognitive assessments from the comfort of their homes. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and are offering these services would receive a higher score. This is especially relevant for Alzheimer's care, where regular monitoring and support are essential.

The availability of mental health resources is also a critical component of the 'Alzheimer's Score'. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Therefore, access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in geriatric mental health is essential. The presence of support groups for both patients and caregivers is also a significant factor. These groups provide emotional support, education, and practical advice for navigating the challenges of the disease. Ideally, these resources should be readily accessible within the local community or through partnerships with regional healthcare providers.

In evaluating the 'Alzheimer's Score' for ZIP code 02791, we need to consider the specific context of Westport Point. As a smaller community, it may face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services. Residents may need to travel to nearby towns or cities, like Fall River or New Bedford, to access specialized care. The availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or volunteer driver programs, becomes crucial. The presence of community-based services, such as home healthcare agencies and adult day care centers, also contributes to the overall support system for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

To determine the 'Alzheimer's Score', we would need to gather data from various sources. This includes contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing online directories, and consulting with community organizations. The score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted at 20%, the presence of standout practices at 30%, telemedicine adoption at 20%, and access to mental health resources at 30%.

Without specific data, it is impossible to assign a precise 'Alzheimer's Score'. However, we can make some general observations. Given the size and location of Westport Point, it is likely that residents may face some challenges in accessing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The physician-to-patient ratio might be lower than the national average, and the availability of specialized geriatric care may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine may vary among local practices. The availability of mental health resources and support groups could be a challenge.

To improve the 'Alzheimer's Score', the community could focus on several key areas. This includes recruiting more PCPs, particularly those with expertise in geriatric care. Encouraging local practices to adopt telemedicine platforms and expand their services. Supporting the development of mental health resources and support groups, and establishing partnerships with regional healthcare providers to improve access to specialized care.

The overall 'Alzheimer's Score' for ZIP code 02791 would likely fall somewhere in the middle range, indicating a need for improvement. While the community likely has some access to primary care, the availability of specialized geriatric care and mental health resources may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine and the presence of support services could vary.

For a more detailed and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 02791, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and community resources, we recommend exploring interactive maps. **CartoChrome maps** can provide a valuable tool for visualizing the data and identifying areas where resources are needed.