27537, Henderson, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27537, Henderson, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.71 percent of the residents in 27537 has some form of health insurance. 45.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.36 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 27537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,899 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27537. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,381 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,243 health care providers accessible to residents in 27537, Henderson, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Henderson, NC (ZIP Code 27537)

This analysis examines the landscape of primary care physicians and related resources in Henderson, North Carolina (ZIP code 27537), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care and support. We will assess physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health services, culminating in an "Alzheimer's Score" for the area. This score provides a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address the challenges posed by Alzheimer's and related dementias.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care lies in accessible and knowledgeable primary care. In Henderson, the physician-to-patient ratio within the primary care sector is a crucial indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall availability of primary care physicians in this ZIP code needs scrutiny. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, limited access to ongoing management, and increased burden on existing providers. The analysis will consider the ratio of primary care physicians to the overall population, taking into account age demographics, as older populations are more susceptible to Alzheimer's.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are vital. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they have experience in geriatric care? Do they offer comprehensive services, including cognitive assessments and referrals to specialists? Practices demonstrating a commitment to geriatric care, including experience with dementia patients, will receive higher marks. This includes the availability of on-site or readily accessible diagnostic tools and referral pathways to neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists.

Standout practices in Henderson would be those that have proactively implemented strategies to improve Alzheimer's care. This includes practices that demonstrate a commitment to early detection, patient education, and caregiver support. These practices often have dedicated staff trained in dementia care, offer memory screenings, and provide resources to families navigating the complexities of the disease. They also actively participate in community outreach programs, raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with Alzheimer's.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improve access to specialists, and provide remote monitoring capabilities. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring, will receive a significant boost. This is especially important in rural areas like Henderson, where access to specialized care may be limited. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, is a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. The analysis will examine the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services for both patients and caregivers. It will also consider the presence of support groups and community programs that provide emotional support and education.

The Alzheimer's Score will also consider the presence of community resources, such as the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, senior centers, and adult day care facilities. These resources provide essential support for patients and caregivers, offering respite care, social activities, and educational programs. The analysis will assess the availability, accessibility, and quality of these resources.

To arrive at the final Alzheimer's Score, the analysis will weigh each factor based on its importance. Physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will be assigned specific weights. The overall score will reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in providing Alzheimer's care. A higher score indicates a more supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Based on preliminary research, Henderson, NC (27537) presents a mixed picture. While the area likely has dedicated healthcare professionals, the availability of primary care physicians might be a concern, and the adoption of telemedicine services may vary. The presence of community resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association chapter is a positive sign. However, the overall score will depend on the specifics of each factor.

The final Alzheimer's Score for Henderson, NC (27537) is not a static number. It is a dynamic measure that can be improved through strategic interventions. Addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and strengthening community resources are all crucial steps.

For a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Henderson and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s maps allow you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in your community.