27954, Manteo, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27954, Manteo, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.37 percent of the residents in 27954 has some form of health insurance. 32.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.47 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 27954 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,034 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27954. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,174 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 840 health care providers accessible to residents in 27954, Manteo, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Manteo, NC (ZIP Code 27954)

Evaluating the landscape of Alzheimer's care within Manteo, North Carolina (ZIP code 27954) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will analyze the availability and quality of primary care physicians, their preparedness to address Alzheimer's disease, and the broader support network available to patients and their families. This analysis will culminate in an Alzheimer's Score, providing a snapshot of the community's readiness to combat this devastating illness.

The cornerstone of Alzheimer's care often lies within the primary care physician (PCP). In Manteo, assessing PCP availability is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially strained resources. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio within the 27954 ZIP code. A lower ratio, ideally below the national average, suggests better access to care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the qualifications and experience of the PCPs are paramount. Are they board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine? Do they have experience diagnosing and managing cognitive decline? Do they have specialized training or certifications related to geriatrics or dementia care? This information, often accessible through physician profiles on hospital websites or through professional organizations, provides insight into their competency.

Standout practices in Manteo, if any, should be identified. These practices may be distinguished by their commitment to geriatric care, their use of innovative diagnostic tools, or their patient-centered approach. They might have dedicated memory care clinics or offer specialized support groups for patients and caregivers. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and provide valuable resources for the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas, can significantly improve access to care. Examining the prevalence of telemedicine services among PCPs in Manteo is essential. Do they offer virtual appointments for initial consultations, follow-up visits, or medication management? This information can be gleaned from practice websites, patient reviews, and direct inquiries.

Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting Alzheimer's patients and their families. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease is immense, and access to mental health professionals is crucial. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the Manteo area is necessary. Are there mental health clinics or private practices that specialize in geriatric mental health or dementia-related issues? Does the community have access to support groups, educational programs, and respite care services?

The presence of a robust support network, including local chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, adult day care centers, and home healthcare agencies, is another critical indicator of community preparedness. These resources provide essential support for caregivers, helping them manage the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Manteo (ZIP code 27954) would be determined by weighing the factors mentioned above. A comprehensive score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the qualifications and experience of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the strength of the support network.

To calculate the score, each category would be assigned a weighted value based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted at 20%, while the availability of mental health resources might be weighted at 15%. The score for each category would be determined based on the data collected. For instance, a low physician-to-patient ratio would receive a high score, while a high ratio would receive a low score. The scores for each category would then be combined to produce an overall Alzheimer's Score.

The final score would be presented on a scale, such as 0-100, with a higher score indicating a greater level of preparedness for Alzheimer's care. The score would be accompanied by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the community's resources.

For example, a high score might indicate a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a high percentage of PCPs with geriatric experience, robust telemedicine adoption, readily available mental health resources, and a strong support network. Conversely, a low score might indicate a shortage of PCPs, a lack of geriatric specialists, limited telemedicine options, a scarcity of mental health resources, and a weak support network.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement, such as the need to recruit more geriatric specialists, expand telemedicine services, or establish additional support groups. This information could be used by local healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers to develop strategies for improving Alzheimer's care in Manteo.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of Alzheimer's care in Manteo requires a thorough assessment of the available resources, the qualifications of healthcare providers, and the strength of the support network. The resulting Alzheimer's Score provides a valuable snapshot of the community's preparedness and identifies areas for improvement.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these resources and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform offers a powerful way to analyze and understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, support services, and the population in Manteo and surrounding areas.