28114, Mooresboro, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28114, Mooresboro, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.98 percent of the residents in 28114 has some form of health insurance. 41.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.22 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 28114 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,087 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28114. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,329 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,406 health care providers accessible to residents in 28114, Mooresboro, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's Disease, a devastating neurodegenerative illness, casts a long shadow, particularly in communities where access to quality healthcare and specialized resources are limited. This analysis delves into the landscape of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 28114 (Mooresboro, North Carolina) and examines the availability of primary care, a critical entry point for early detection and management of the disease. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The initial assessment focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians within the specified ZIP code. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first line of defense in identifying cognitive decline. They are crucial in conducting initial screenings, referring patients to specialists, and providing ongoing care management. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Unfortunately, publicly available data on physician-to-patient ratios at the ZIP code level is often limited. However, we can extrapolate based on county-level data and national averages, providing a general estimate.

Mooresboro, being a smaller community, may face challenges in attracting and retaining a sufficient number of PCPs. This scarcity can be further exacerbated by the aging population, a demographic particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's. The presence of geriatric specialists and neurologists within the area is another key indicator. These specialists possess the expertise to diagnose and manage complex cases of Alzheimer's, offering advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. The availability of these specialists directly impacts the quality of care available to individuals experiencing cognitive decline.

Beyond the number of physicians, the quality of care is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to evidence-based practices, their adoption of technology, and their integration of mental health resources. Standout practices often demonstrate a proactive approach to cognitive health, implementing routine cognitive screenings for older patients, providing comprehensive patient education, and collaborating with support groups and community organizations. These practices are essential for improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially expanding access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility, which is particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in remote areas.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and improving the overall well-being of patients. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or through partnerships with external organizations, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.

The availability of support groups and caregiver resources is also vital. Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the patient but also their families and caregivers. Support groups provide a safe space for caregivers to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies. Access to respite care, home health services, and other resources can significantly alleviate the burden on caregivers, allowing them to provide better care for their loved ones.

Considering these factors, we can begin to formulate an Alzheimer's Score for the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28114. This score is not a definitive metric but rather a composite assessment based on the available information. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of support groups and caregiver resources.

Based on preliminary research, Mooresboro may face challenges in several areas. The physician-to-patient ratio might be higher than the national average, potentially leading to longer wait times and limited access to care. The availability of geriatric specialists and neurologists may be limited, requiring patients to travel to larger cities for specialized care. Telemedicine adoption may be variable, with some practices embracing the technology while others lag behind. The integration of mental health resources might be limited, potentially leaving patients with unmet needs. However, the presence of community support groups and caregiver resources could mitigate some of these challenges.

The Alzheimer's Score for 28114 would likely fall in the moderate range, indicating a need for improvement in several key areas. Efforts should be made to attract and retain more PCPs and specialists, promote telemedicine adoption, and integrate mental health services into primary care practices. Increased collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and support groups is also crucial.

For a more detailed and visually informative analysis of the healthcare landscape in 28114 and surrounding areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, support groups, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing you to identify areas of strength and weakness and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.