The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27939, Grandy, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 85.18 percent of the residents in 27939 has some form of health insurance. 35.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.75 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 27939 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 503 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27939. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 572 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,132 health care providers accessible to residents in 27939, Grandy, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 27939, Grandy, North Carolina
Alzheimers Score | 19 |
---|---|
People Score | 50 |
Provider Score | 11 |
Hospital Score | 51 |
Travel Score | 31 |
27939 | Grandy | North Carolina | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Grandy, NC (ZIP Code 27939)
This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP Code 27939, focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, management, and patient support. The evaluation incorporates physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score that reflects the overall healthcare landscape.
Grandy, North Carolina, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower physician density and potential limitations in specialized services. Understanding these nuances is crucial for evaluating the support available to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**
Accurate physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to ascertain precisely without access to real-time, comprehensive data. However, publicly available information, combined with local insights, can provide a reasonable estimate. In a rural area like Grandy, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely higher (fewer physicians per capita) than in more urban settings. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time for each patient during consultations.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care. They often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, conduct preliminary assessments, and refer patients to specialists (neurologists, geriatricians) is critical. The availability of PCPs, therefore, directly impacts the timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's.
The number of PCPs practicing within the 27939 ZIP code, and the surrounding areas, is a key factor in the Alzheimer's Score. A higher density of PCPs, particularly those accepting new patients, would positively influence the score. Conversely, a shortage of PCPs would negatively affect the score, potentially delaying diagnosis and access to care.
**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics**
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices that prioritize geriatric care, offer comprehensive memory assessments, and have experience managing patients with dementia are highly desirable. The presence of specialized staff, such as nurses with dementia care training or social workers who can assist with navigating resources, significantly enhances the quality of care.
A practice's commitment to patient education and support is also vital. Offering educational materials, support groups, and caregiver resources demonstrates a proactive approach to managing Alzheimer's. Practices that actively collaborate with local organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, further enhance their ability to provide comprehensive care.
Another key aspect is the practice's approach to communication and coordination of care. Efficient communication with specialists, pharmacies, and family members is essential for effective management of Alzheimer's. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals often demonstrate a higher level of coordination and efficiency.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to address the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialized care. The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in Grandy significantly influences the Alzheimer's Score.
Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up appointments score higher. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those who live far from medical facilities.
However, successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access and patient comfort with technology. The availability of technical support for patients is also crucial. Practices that proactively address these challenges and offer telemedicine options are better positioned to support patients with Alzheimer's.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance**
Mental health is inextricably linked to Alzheimer's disease. Many individuals with Alzheimer's experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources in Grandy is a crucial component of the Alzheimer's Score.
The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) in the area is essential. Access to individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers is also critical. Integrated care models, where mental health services are provided within the primary care setting, can streamline access to care and improve patient outcomes. Practices that actively facilitate these collaborations score higher.
**Alzheimer's Score Conclusion**
Based on the factors discussed, the Alzheimer's Score for Grandy, NC (ZIP Code 27939) is likely moderate. The rural nature of the area presents challenges related to physician density and access to specialized services. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices, the potential for telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources can positively influence the score.
A comprehensive assessment would require detailed data on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine implementation, and mental health resources. Regular updates and monitoring are essential to track improvements and identify areas for further development.
**Call to Action**
To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Grandy, NC, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data analysis. Utilize CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of mental health services in the 27939 ZIP code. This visual approach will provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and support for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
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