27617, Raleigh, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27617, Raleigh, North Carolina is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.37 percent of the residents in 27617 has some form of health insurance. 16.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.09 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 27617 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,871 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 44 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27617. An estimate of 66 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,753 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 26,736 health care providers accessible to residents in 27617, Raleigh, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Raleigh, NC (ZIP Code 27617)

This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the potential quality of care for individuals in Raleigh, North Carolina's 27617 ZIP code, focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We will examine primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors to formulate an "Alzheimer's Score" for this specific area. This score, while not a definitive metric, provides a framework for understanding the landscape of care within the community.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care rests on accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 27617, encompassing a portion of Raleigh, likely experiences varying levels of PCP accessibility. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or interventions. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau would be necessary to calculate this ratio accurately. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of the primary care physicians is paramount. Are the physicians in this area well-versed in geriatric care and cognitive health? Do they have experience diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease? Do they participate in continuing medical education focused on dementia care? These factors contribute significantly to the Alzheimer's Score. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, perhaps through specialized training or partnerships with geriatric specialists, would receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to access healthcare remotely can be especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those residing in areas with limited access to in-person care. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management, would improve the Alzheimer's Score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the technical support offered to patients are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings with it depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges for both the patient and their caregivers. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups within the 27617 ZIP code is vital. Areas with a robust network of mental health professionals would receive a higher score. Specifically, the presence of geriatric psychiatrists or therapists specializing in dementia care would be a significant positive factor.

Standout practices within the 27617 area could significantly influence the overall Alzheimer's Score. Practices that actively participate in Alzheimer's research, offer comprehensive memory screenings, or provide caregiver support programs would be considered exemplary. These practices serve as models for others and contribute to a higher standard of care within the community. Identifying these practices requires a deep dive into local healthcare providers' websites, patient reviews, and community resources.

The presence of specialized memory care centers or clinics within or near the 27617 ZIP code is another critical factor. These centers often offer comprehensive diagnostic services, treatment plans, and support services tailored to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Their existence significantly elevates the Alzheimer's Score. The availability of skilled nursing facilities specializing in dementia care is also a vital consideration.

Furthermore, the presence of community-based resources, such as the Alzheimer's Association chapters, senior centers with memory care programs, and adult day care facilities, contributes positively to the Alzheimer's Score. These resources provide crucial support for both patients and caregivers, helping to improve quality of life and delay institutionalization.

Caregiver support is a cornerstone of effective Alzheimer's care. The availability of respite care, support groups, and educational programs for caregivers is critical. Areas with a strong network of caregiver support resources would receive a higher Alzheimer's Score. This includes the availability of financial assistance programs for caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Score for 27617 would also consider the accessibility of transportation options for patients and caregivers. Public transportation, ride-sharing services, and volunteer driver programs can significantly impact access to care. Areas with readily available transportation options would receive a higher score.

Overall, the Alzheimer's Score for 27617 would be a multifaceted assessment. It would reflect the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the presence of specialized memory care centers, and the strength of community-based support services. The score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve and community needs change.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 27617 ZIP code and visualize the distribution of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the location of physicians, memory care centers, support groups, and other relevant resources, providing a clear and accessible overview of the area.