27976, South Mills, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 27976, South Mills, North Carolina is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.65 percent of the residents in 27976 has some form of health insurance. 23.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.56 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 27976 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,224 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27976. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 586 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 232 health care providers accessible to residents in 27976, South Mills, North Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: South Mills, NC (ZIP Code 27976)**

The rural community of South Mills, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP code 27976, faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive healthcare, particularly concerning the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources within the context of Alzheimer's care, ultimately providing an "Alzheimer's Score" to gauge the community's preparedness. This score considers the specific needs of individuals and families grappling with this debilitating illness.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care rests on accessible primary care. In South Mills, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Precise data on this ratio for 27976 is difficult to obtain without a direct data pull, but we can infer challenges. Rural areas often suffer from a shortage of physicians, particularly specialists like neurologists and geriatricians, who are crucial for diagnosis and ongoing care. The distance to specialists in larger cities like Elizabeth City, approximately 15 miles away, can pose a significant barrier for patients and their caregivers, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Standout practices, if any, in the area are pivotal. Practices that prioritize geriatric care, offer memory screenings, and provide comprehensive care coordination are essential. These practices often have nurses or care coordinators dedicated to managing the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients, including medication management, support for caregivers, and connection to community resources. The presence of such a practice, or the absence of one, would significantly impact the Alzheimer's Score. Without specific practice names, it's impossible to determine the presence of such a practice.

Telemedicine adoption offers a potential lifeline for South Mills residents. Telehealth appointments can reduce the need for travel, making specialist consultations and follow-up appointments more accessible. This is especially beneficial for patients with cognitive impairments who may find travel stressful. The availability of telehealth services, however, depends on several factors: the willingness of physicians to offer these services, the patient's access to reliable internet connectivity, and the availability of technology-savvy support for both the patient and the physician. The Alzheimer's Score would reflect the level of telemedicine adoption and its impact on patient care.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease not only affects the patient but also places a significant emotional and psychological burden on caregivers. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore crucial. These professionals can provide counseling, support groups, and medication management for both patients and caregivers, helping them navigate the challenges of the disease. The Alzheimer's Score assesses the presence of these resources and their accessibility to the community.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a single, quantifiable number. Instead, it's a composite assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in South Mills. A high score would indicate a community with ample primary care access, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would suggest significant challenges in these areas, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased stress for patients and caregivers.

To create a more accurate score, a detailed analysis of the following factors is required: the number of primary care physicians per capita; the percentage of physicians offering telemedicine services; the availability of geriatric specialists; the presence of memory care clinics or programs; the availability of mental health professionals; the existence of caregiver support groups; the availability of transportation services for medical appointments; and the availability of financial assistance programs for healthcare costs. Without this granular data, the score remains an estimate.

The impact of these factors on primary care availability in South Mills, specifically, is multifaceted. A shortage of physicians, coupled with a lack of specialized geriatric care, can lead to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. The absence of telemedicine services further exacerbates the problem, limiting access to specialists and follow-up care. The lack of mental health resources can leave caregivers feeling isolated and overwhelmed, potentially leading to burnout and decreased quality of care for the patient.

The community's response to these challenges is also critical. Are local organizations actively working to improve access to care? Are there initiatives to recruit physicians or expand telemedicine services? Are there efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and provide support to caregivers? These factors would influence the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting the community's commitment to addressing the needs of its residents.

The Alzheimer's Score is not static. It will change over time as the healthcare landscape evolves. The adoption of new technologies, the expansion of healthcare services, and the community's response to the challenges of Alzheimer's disease will all impact the score. Regular assessments are essential to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that South Mills residents receive the care they need.

In conclusion, South Mills, NC, faces significant challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care due to its rural location and potential resource limitations. While a precise Alzheimer's Score requires more specific data, the analysis highlights the critical need for accessible primary care, telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. The community's proactive response to these challenges will determine the quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.

**Call to Action:**

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in South Mills, NC, and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and facility locations, we encourage you to explore the power of location-based insights. Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of access to care in your community.