39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 39525 has some form of health insurance. 35.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.38 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 39525 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,771 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39525. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,294 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,994 health care providers accessible to residents in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi.

This analysis assesses the state of Alzheimer's-related care within ZIP code 39525, focusing on Diamondhead, Mississippi, and the availability of primary care physicians. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" by examining key factors impacting patient access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support. This score is not a single, quantifiable number but rather a composite evaluation reflecting the overall landscape.

The foundation of any Alzheimer's care system is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). They often serve as the first point of contact for patients exhibiting cognitive decline. In Diamondhead, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and earlier intervention. Research into the local demographics and the number of practicing PCPs is essential to determine this ratio accurately. Publicly available data from the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau will be used to determine this.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care and the specific expertise of those physicians are also crucial. Do PCPs in Diamondhead have experience in geriatric care? Are they familiar with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease? The "Alzheimer's Score" will consider whether local practices actively participate in continuing medical education related to cognitive impairment. This includes training on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and other cognitive screening tools. This information can be gleaned through practice websites, physician profiles, and direct inquiries.

Standout practices, those demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care, will positively influence the score. These practices might employ specialized staff, such as geriatric nurses or social workers, who can provide comprehensive support to patients and their families. They might also offer memory clinics or participate in clinical trials. The presence of these resources indicates a proactive approach to Alzheimer's management. The "Alzheimer's Score" will assess the availability of these specialized services.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can improve access to care, especially for patients who have mobility issues or live in rural areas. The "Alzheimer's Score" will evaluate the extent to which PCPs in Diamondhead utilize telemedicine for consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This will involve researching practice websites and direct inquiries to determine telemedicine adoption rates.

Mental health resources are critical for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists is essential for managing these symptoms and providing emotional support. The "Alzheimer's Score" will evaluate the availability of mental health services within Diamondhead and the surrounding areas. This includes the presence of mental health clinics, the number of practicing mental health professionals, and the availability of support groups for patients and caregivers. Information will be gathered from local directories, community organizations, and online resources.

The overall coordination of care is also important. Does the local healthcare system facilitate communication between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers? Are there established referral pathways for patients with cognitive decline? The "Alzheimer's Score" will consider the level of care coordination within Diamondhead, assessing the presence of care management programs and the use of electronic health records that allow for information sharing. This information will be gathered through practice websites, direct inquiries, and the evaluation of local healthcare networks.

The availability of community resources also influences the "Alzheimer's Score". These include support groups, adult day care centers, and respite care services. These resources provide crucial support to both patients and their caregivers, allowing them to manage the challenges of Alzheimer's disease more effectively. The "Alzheimer's Score" will assess the availability and accessibility of these resources within Diamondhead and the surrounding areas. Information will be gathered from local directories, community organizations, and online resources.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP code 39525) will be a composite assessment based on the factors discussed. It will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and coordination of Alzheimer's-related care in the area. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the expertise of local PCPs, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, care coordination efforts, and the availability of community support services.

The final "Alzheimer's Score" will be a qualitative assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape. It will highlight strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where improvements are needed. This analysis will provide valuable insights for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in Diamondhead, Mississippi.

For a comprehensive, visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Diamondhead, including the location of physicians, mental health resources, and community support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, allowing you to easily identify areas with high or low access to care.