39478, Sandy Hook, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39478, Sandy Hook, Mississippi is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.67 percent of the residents in 39478 has some form of health insurance. 44.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.87 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 39478 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 438 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39478. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 704 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 273 health care providers accessible to residents in 39478, Sandy Hook, Mississippi.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39478 and Primary Care Availability in Sandy Hook

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources, crucial for managing Alzheimer's disease, within ZIP code 39478, and specifically examines the context of primary care access in Sandy Hook, Mississippi. This evaluation employs an "Alzheimer's Score" framework, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, and integration with mental health resources. It's important to remember that this analysis is based on publicly available data and may not reflect the complete picture of care available.

ZIP code 39478 encompasses the town of Purvis, Mississippi, and surrounding rural areas. The Alzheimer's Score for this region is inherently influenced by the challenges of rural healthcare. A significant factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. Rural areas often experience a shortage of primary care physicians, specialists, and geriatricians. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for patients and their caregivers, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) will be consulted to gauge the physician-to-patient ratio within this specific ZIP code, comparing it to state and national averages. A lower ratio (fewer physicians per patient) will negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

The presence of standout primary care practices is another critical element. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including specialized training for physicians and staff in dementia management, are highly valued. These practices often offer comprehensive assessments, cognitive testing, and care coordination services. The analysis will search for practices in 39478 that explicitly mention geriatric care, memory care, or Alzheimer's disease management on their websites or through online directories. The availability of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic tools, such as cognitive screening tests, will also be assessed.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural settings. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and consultations that might otherwise be unavailable. The Alzheimer's Score will evaluate the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 39478. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, or access to telehealth platforms that connect patients with geriatric specialists or neurologists. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will receive a higher score.

The integration 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. Primary care practices that collaborate with mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services in 39478 and assess the extent to which primary care practices have established referral pathways or partnerships with mental health providers. The presence of on-site mental health professionals or readily accessible referrals will positively influence the score.

Moving specifically to Sandy Hook, Mississippi, a more granular analysis is required. Sandy Hook is a smaller community within the broader 39478 ZIP code. The Alzheimer's Score for Sandy Hook is even more heavily influenced by primary care availability. Because of its size, it likely faces even greater challenges in accessing healthcare resources. The analysis will attempt to identify any primary care practices physically located in Sandy Hook. If none exist, the focus will shift to identifying the nearest primary care providers and assessing their accessibility for Sandy Hook residents. This involves considering travel distances, transportation options, and appointment availability.

The availability of support services for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is also crucial. This includes support groups, respite care services, and educational programs. The analysis will investigate the presence of these resources in Sandy Hook or the surrounding areas. The Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted if these support services are lacking.

The analysis will attempt to identify any specialized programs or initiatives within Sandy Hook or the broader 39478 area that specifically address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. This could include memory clinics, dementia-friendly community programs, or initiatives focused on early detection and intervention. The presence of such programs will positively influence the score.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for 39478, and specifically for Sandy Hook, will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The score will be presented in a qualitative manner, using descriptors such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the assessment. The score will highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable information for individuals seeking care, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

The challenges of providing adequate Alzheimer's care in rural areas like 39478 are significant. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, fostering collaborations between primary care practices and mental health providers, and promoting the development of support services for patients and their caregivers.

For a more detailed visual representation of healthcare access in 39478 and Sandy Hook, including the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and support services, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, helping individuals and communities better understand the landscape of care available to them.