27263, High Point, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27263, High Point, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.83 percent of the residents in 27263 has some form of health insurance. 38.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.56 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 27263 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,239 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27263. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,971 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,251 health care providers accessible to residents in 27263, High Point, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant public health challenge, particularly as the population ages. Access to quality healthcare, including primary care and specialized services, is crucial for early diagnosis, management, and support for individuals and families affected by this condition. This analysis examines the availability of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's care within the ZIP code 27263 (High Point, North Carolina) and its surrounding areas. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, mental health resources, and telemedicine adoption to formulate an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address the needs of those impacted by Alzheimer's.

Assessing the availability of primary care physicians is a foundational step. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline or exhibiting symptoms that might suggest Alzheimer's. They are instrumental in initial screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of the disease and associated comorbidities. In High Point (27263), the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Researching the specific number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code, and comparing this number to the local population, is necessary to determine the ratio. This data is readily available through the North Carolina Medical Board and other public health resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are crucial. We need to identify practices that are known for their geriatric expertise or have demonstrated a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This includes practices that offer comprehensive memory screenings, have established referral networks with neurologists and geriatricians, and provide educational resources for patients and families. Identifying these "standout practices" requires investigation into patient reviews, physician profiles, and the practice's participation in relevant professional organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, agitation, and psychosis. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is essential for managing these symptoms and supporting the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers. High Point's mental health infrastructure needs scrutiny. Are there sufficient mental health professionals available? Are there specialized programs for individuals with dementia? Are there support groups for caregivers? Data from local mental health agencies, hospitals, and community organizations can provide insights into the availability and accessibility of these vital resources.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve access to Alzheimer's care, especially for those living in rural areas or facing mobility challenges. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices, neurology clinics, and mental health providers in High Point is important. Do these providers offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies? Are they familiar with the specific challenges of providing telemedicine services to patients with cognitive impairment? Information about telemedicine adoption can often be found on provider websites, in patient testimonials, and through professional organizations.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for High Point (27263) is a composite metric reflecting the availability and quality of these resources. The score would be derived from a weighted analysis of the following: the physician-to-patient ratio, the number of standout practices with geriatric expertise, the availability of mental health resources, and the adoption of telemedicine. The score would be presented on a scale, such as 1 to 10, with a higher score indicating better access to and quality of Alzheimer's care. This score would be a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address the needs of those affected by Alzheimer's.

The analysis should also consider the presence of community-based support services. These services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This includes adult day care centers, respite care programs, home health agencies, and support groups. Assessing the availability, affordability, and accessibility of these services is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of the community's Alzheimer's care infrastructure.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. Factors such as income, insurance coverage, and transportation can create barriers to accessing healthcare services. Areas with a higher proportion of low-income residents or those lacking adequate transportation may face greater challenges in accessing Alzheimer's care.

Finally, the analysis needs to be dynamic. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. New technologies emerge, provider networks change, and community needs shift. The "Alzheimer's Score" should be regularly updated to reflect these changes. The data should be collected and analyzed on a regular basis, and the score should be adjusted accordingly. This will ensure that the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the community's preparedness to address the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, the location of primary care practices, mental health providers, and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a geospatial representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the healthcare landscape.