Health Scores Near 28016, Bessemer City, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28016, Bessemer City, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 87.67 percent of the residents in 28016 has some form of health insurance. 37.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.77 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 28016 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,649 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 15 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28016. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,174 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,482 health care providers accessible to residents in 28016, Bessemer City, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28016, Bessemer City, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 16 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 9 |
| Provider Score | 26 |
| Hospital Score | 50 |
| Travel Score | 51 |
| 28016 | Bessemer City | 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 disease presents a significant challenge, especially for communities with aging populations. Analyzing healthcare resources within a specific geographic area provides valuable insights into the support available for individuals and families affected by this devastating illness. This analysis focuses on the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 28016 (Bessemer City, NC) and the primary care availability within the same city, assessing factors crucial for Alzheimer's care.
The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In Bessemer City, determining the exact ratio requires data from multiple sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board and insurance provider networks. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, often translates to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care, including neurologists and geriatricians, who are vital in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's. A thorough investigation is needed to ascertain the precise figures for this ZIP code.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, conduct initial assessments, and refer patients to specialists is paramount. The availability of PCPs in Bessemer City, both in terms of sheer numbers and their willingness to accept new patients, directly impacts the timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnosis and management, which can negatively affect patient outcomes.
Standout practices within the 28016 ZIP code would ideally demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care through several key features. These include:
* **Cognitive Screening Programs:** Implementing routine cognitive assessments for older patients can help identify early signs of memory problems.
* **Geriatric Expertise:** Having physicians or nurse practitioners with specialized training in geriatrics is beneficial.
* **Care Coordination:** Practices that actively coordinate care with specialists, home health agencies, and support groups provide a more holistic approach.
* **Patient and Family Education:** Offering educational resources and support for patients and their families is crucial for managing the disease.
* **Memory Clinics:** A practice with a dedicated memory clinic, staffed by specialists, would be a significant asset to the community.
The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care for Alzheimer's patients, particularly those who have difficulty traveling. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patients' conditions. Its effectiveness hinges on the availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of both patients and physicians to embrace this technology. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in Bessemer City is essential.
Mental health resources play a vital role in supporting Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common in individuals with Alzheimer's, and these conditions can exacerbate cognitive decline and behavioral problems. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is crucial. Assessing the presence of these resources within Bessemer City, including their accessibility and affordability, is a critical component of a comprehensive analysis.
Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as memory care units in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, also contributes to the quality of care. These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's, offering specialized programs and trained staff. Evaluating the number and quality of these facilities in and around Bessemer City is essential.
Another crucial factor is the presence of community support groups. These groups provide a valuable platform for caregivers to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. The Alzheimer's Association and other local organizations often offer support groups, educational programs, and resources for families. Determining the availability and accessibility of these resources in Bessemer City is important.
The overall Alzheimer's Score for the healthcare landscape in Bessemer City would be based on the assessment of these factors. A high score would indicate a community with ample access to PCPs, specialists, telemedicine, mental health resources, and support services. A lower score would indicate areas where access to care is limited, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and increased caregiver burden. This score is not a static measure but rather a snapshot of the current situation, which requires continuous monitoring and improvement.
The analysis must consider the demographics of Bessemer City, including the percentage of the population aged 65 and older, as this age group is most susceptible to Alzheimer's. The socio-economic status of the community also plays a role, as financial constraints can limit access to care.
In conclusion, assessing the healthcare resources available in Bessemer City (ZIP Code 28016) requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support services. The analysis must consider the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the community to provide a complete picture of the challenges and opportunities for Alzheimer's care.
To visualize the healthcare landscape in Bessemer City and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and support services, we invite you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of resources, aiding in the identification of areas with the greatest needs.
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