27928, Creswell, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27928, Creswell, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.15 percent of the residents in 27928 has some form of health insurance. 39.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.46 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 27928 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 226 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27928. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 510 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 305 health care providers accessible to residents in 27928, Creswell, North Carolina.

The task is to analyze the quality of Alzheimer's care and primary care access in Creswell, North Carolina (ZIP code 27928). This analysis, framed as an “Alzheimer’s Score,” will consider factors influencing patient care, including physician availability, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all within the context of a rural community.

The first crucial element of the Alzheimer’s Score is physician-to-patient ratio. Creswell, a small town in northeastern North Carolina, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a shortage of primary care physicians and specialists, including neurologists and geriatricians. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, we can anticipate a ratio that is less favorable than in more urbanized areas. This scarcity directly impacts access to timely diagnoses, regular monitoring, and specialized care crucial for managing Alzheimer’s disease. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the Alzheimer’s Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the availability of primary care physicians willing to accept new patients is critical. Many practices may be at capacity, limiting access for new residents or those seeking a second opinion. Furthermore, the willingness of primary care physicians to undergo specialized training in geriatric care or dementia management is essential. Physicians with specific expertise in these areas are better equipped to recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s, conduct appropriate screenings, and provide comprehensive care plans. Practices with a focus on geriatric care would significantly improve the Alzheimer’s Score.

Standout practices within the Creswell area should be identified. This involves assessing their commitment to Alzheimer’s care. Do they offer memory screenings? Do they partner with local support groups or community organizations focused on dementia care? Do they have care coordinators to help patients and families navigate the complexities of the disease? Practices that demonstrate these commitments would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices lacking these features would detract from the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in evaluating healthcare access in a rural setting. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be physically located in Creswell. For Alzheimer’s patients, telemedicine can facilitate consultations with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists, as well as provide ongoing monitoring and support. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for patient consultations and follow-up care would contribute positively to the Alzheimer’s Score. Practices that have not embraced telemedicine would be penalized.

Mental health resources are a vital component of Alzheimer’s care. The disease often brings with it significant emotional and psychological challenges for both patients and their caregivers. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these challenges. The availability of these resources in Creswell, including the presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups, directly impacts the Alzheimer’s Score. The presence of readily available mental health resources would elevate the score; their absence would lower it.

The availability of support services for caregivers is also crucial. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient can be incredibly demanding, both physically and emotionally. Support groups, respite care services, and educational programs for caregivers are essential to prevent burnout and ensure the well-being of both the patient and the caregiver. The presence and accessibility of these services would positively influence the Alzheimer’s Score.

Another important aspect of the Alzheimer’s Score is the availability of diagnostic tools. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective management of the disease. The availability of memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and advanced imaging techniques (such as MRI or PET scans) within a reasonable distance of Creswell is a key factor. The closer and more accessible these diagnostic resources are, the higher the score.

The integration of technology beyond telemedicine is also important. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for better coordination of care and easier access to patient information. The adoption of patient portals allows patients and caregivers to communicate with their healthcare providers, access test results, and manage their appointments. Practices that have embraced these technologies would receive a higher score.

The presence of community outreach programs and educational initiatives is another important factor. These programs can raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, promote early detection, and provide support to patients and caregivers. Practices that actively participate in these programs would receive a higher score.

Finally, the overall quality of care is subjective. This involves assessing patient satisfaction, the responsiveness of healthcare providers, and the availability of comprehensive care plans. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care and provide a supportive environment would receive a higher score.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer’s Score for Creswell, North Carolina (ZIP code 27928) is likely to be moderate, potentially reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialized geriatric care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources are all critical factors. The presence of standout practices, robust caregiver support, and community outreach programs would significantly improve the score. The absence of these elements would negatively impact the overall assessment.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Creswell and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform provides detailed visualizations of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data, offering a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and quality in your community.