28344, Godwin, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28344, Godwin, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.91 percent of the residents in 28344 has some form of health insurance. 51.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.78 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 28344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,719 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28344. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 805 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,050 health care providers accessible to residents in 28344, Godwin, North Carolina.

The analysis below assesses primary care physician availability and related resources within the Godwin, North Carolina area, specifically focusing on the 28344 ZIP code. This evaluation considers factors relevant to Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its suitability for individuals managing Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Godwin, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to fewer healthcare providers compared to more urban settings. Consequently, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially less comprehensive care, all of which can negatively impact the management of a complex condition like Alzheimer's. Accurate physician-to-patient ratio data requires specific, up-to-date information from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the Department of Health and Human Services, and is not easily accessible for a specific ZIP code. Therefore, this analysis relies on general observations and assumptions based on the rural context.

Standout practices in the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, particularly for geriatric patients. Practices that offer extended appointment times, home visits, or specialized geriatric care programs are highly valuable. These features allow for more thorough assessments, better medication management, and improved communication between the physician, patient, and caregiver. The presence of on-site diagnostic services, such as cognitive testing, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the burden on patients and families. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs related to Alzheimer's disease are beneficial, providing education and support to the local population.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of patients' conditions. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can be used to provide support to caregivers, offer cognitive assessments, and connect patients with specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of reliable internet access in the Godwin area is a key enabler of telemedicine adoption.

The availability of mental health resources is particularly important for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Caregivers also experience significant stress and emotional strain. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is therefore essential. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care model, or have established strong referral networks with mental health providers, are better equipped to meet the holistic needs of patients and their families. The presence of local support groups, such as those affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association, is also a valuable resource.

Evaluating the healthcare landscape in Godwin, NC requires consideration of the broader community context. The socioeconomic factors of the population can influence healthcare access and utilization. Lower income levels, for example, can create barriers to care due to the cost of transportation, medications, and other healthcare expenses. The cultural background of the community can also impact healthcare preferences and utilization patterns. Understanding these contextual factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve Alzheimer's care in the area.

The success of Alzheimer's care also hinges on the coordination of care among various healthcare providers. This includes primary care physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, and home health agencies. Effective communication and collaboration among these providers are essential for ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care. Practices that utilize electronic health records and other technologies to facilitate information sharing are better positioned to promote care coordination.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Godwin, NC, for Alzheimer's patients is a complex undertaking. The rural setting, the limited number of healthcare providers, and the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients present significant challenges. While a detailed analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is difficult without direct access to local data, it is possible to make informed assumptions based on the known characteristics of the area. The need for patient-centered care, telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health services, and strong care coordination are all crucial for ensuring that Alzheimer's patients in Godwin receive the best possible care.

The absence of readily available, specific data on physician numbers, practice capabilities, and resource availability in the 28344 ZIP code makes a definitive 'Alzheimer's Score' impossible to produce. However, the general assessment points to the need for improvements in several key areas. The community should prioritize attracting and retaining qualified healthcare providers, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, and fostering strong care coordination among all providers.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Godwin and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and the demographics of the population, consider exploring interactive maps and data visualizations. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of providers, areas with limited access, and the location of support services. Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a more comprehensive perspective on healthcare access in your area.