27816, Castalia, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27816, Castalia, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.84 percent of the residents in 27816 has some form of health insurance. 63.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.12 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 27816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 751 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,142 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,502 health care providers accessible to residents in 27816, Castalia, North Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 27816 and Primary Care Availability in Castalia**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 27816 (predominantly serving the town of Bailey, North Carolina) and the town of Castalia, North Carolina, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility. The assessment considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, a composite measure reflecting the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this debilitating disease.

ZIP code 27816 presents a unique demographic landscape. While primarily rural, it experiences the challenges common to many areas with aging populations. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase in the coming years, amplifying the need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare. Assessing the current state of medical services is crucial for identifying strengths and weaknesses.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A fundamental aspect of Alzheimer's care is the availability of primary care physicians. Early diagnosis and ongoing management often begin with the PCP. The physician-to-patient ratio in 27816 and the surrounding areas is a critical indicator. Data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted to determine the current ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, raises concerns about access to timely appointments and the ability of PCPs to provide adequate care to all patients, particularly those with complex needs like Alzheimer's.

Castalia, as a smaller community within the broader region, likely faces similar challenges. Its primary care availability is directly tied to the accessibility of physicians in the surrounding areas. The distance to medical facilities and the availability of transportation significantly impact access for residents. Addressing this requires understanding the distribution of PCPs and the barriers to care that residents face.

**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**

Identifying standout practices within and near 27816 is essential. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, cognitive assessments, and the management of Alzheimer's disease. These practices may have physicians with specialized training, such as geriatricians or neurologists, or staff trained in dementia care. They may also offer memory clinics, support groups, or other resources tailored to the needs of Alzheimer's patients and their families.

The presence of specialists is a crucial element. Neurologists, neuropsychologists, and geriatric psychiatrists are vital for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. The analysis should identify the location and availability of these specialists within a reasonable distance of 27816 and Castalia. The lack of specialists can create significant challenges for patients and families, requiring them to travel long distances for specialized care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving access to care, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by healthcare providers in 27816 and the surrounding region is a key factor in the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs, specialists, and therapists. This can reduce the need for travel, improve convenience, and provide access to care for individuals who may have difficulty leaving their homes.

The analysis should assess the types of telemedicine services offered, the availability of technology for patients, and the level of training provided to both physicians and patients. The effectiveness of telemedicine in managing Alzheimer's disease depends on factors like reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of healthcare providers to conduct effective virtual assessments.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. The analysis should identify the presence of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors in the area. It should also assess the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other resources that can help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the disease.

The integration of mental health services with primary care is essential for comprehensive Alzheimer's care. This may involve collaborative care models, where PCPs work closely with mental health professionals to provide coordinated care. The analysis should evaluate the extent to which such integrated care models are available in 27816 and Castalia.

**Alzheimer's Score and Overall Assessment:**

The Alzheimer's Score is a composite measure that reflects the overall preparedness of the community to address the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. It is based on the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score provides a snapshot of the current state of healthcare resources and identifies areas for improvement.

The analysis should conclude with an overall assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 27816 and Castalia. It should highlight areas where resources are lacking and recommend strategies for improvement. This may include increasing the number of PCPs, recruiting specialists, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. By continuously monitoring and evaluating the availability and quality of healthcare resources, the community can work towards providing better care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in the area, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to support services, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a valuable tool for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where access to care may be limited.