28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.82 percent of the residents in 28337 has some form of health insurance. 50.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.89 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 28337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,770 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,012 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 289 health care providers accessible to residents in 28337, Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in communities with aging populations. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources within ZIP Code 28337, encompassing Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with a specific lens on their capacity to address the needs of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the local healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with the PCP. They serve as the initial point of contact, responsible for early detection, diagnosis, and management of the disease. In Elizabethtown, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing this ratio involves examining the total number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide the necessary information. A low ratio could indicate a strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure, impacting the quality of care for all patients, especially those with complex needs like Alzheimer's.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs is also important. Are they clustered in a single location, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different areas? Geographic accessibility plays a significant role, particularly for elderly individuals who may have mobility limitations or rely on public transportation. The presence of multiple primary care clinics and their locations should be considered.

Standout practices within the community can be identified by examining their services and patient reviews. Practices that prioritize geriatric care, offer memory screenings, and have staff trained in Alzheimer's management deserve recognition. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care for patients with cognitive impairments. Reviewing online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, and local community feedback can help identify these standout practices. Key indicators include the availability of specialized geriatric services, the implementation of cognitive assessments, and the presence of staff trained in dementia care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Elizabethtown. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access for those with mobility issues. The availability of telemedicine consultations for primary care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is a key factor in evaluating the overall quality of care.

The integration of mental health resources is also critical. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community is essential. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is crucial for providing holistic care. The presence of local mental health clinics, support groups, and resources for caregivers should be considered.

Caregiver support is often overlooked, but it is a vital component of Alzheimer's care. Caregivers face significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The availability of support groups, respite care services, and educational resources for caregivers can significantly improve their well-being and their ability to provide care. Assessing the availability of these resources within the community is a key indicator of the overall quality of care for Alzheimer's patients.

The quality of care also depends on the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate information sharing between healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. The adoption of EHRs by local practices should be considered.

In conclusion, evaluating the healthcare landscape in Elizabethtown, NC (ZIP Code 28337) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of PCPs, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the support available for caregivers. By considering these factors, a more comprehensive understanding of the community's capacity to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's can be achieved. The goal is to identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Elizabethtown, including the locations of primary care practices, mental health resources, and other relevant data points, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable visual perspective, helping you to understand the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.