28350, Lakeview, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28350, Lakeview, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.27 percent of the residents in 28350 has some form of health insurance. 46.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.94 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 28350 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28350. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 138 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,388 health care providers accessible to residents in 28350, Lakeview, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides an assessment of Alzheimer's care resources and primary care accessibility in the context of ZIP code 28350 (likely representing a specific geographic area) and the fictional town of Lakeview, using the provided parameters. This is a hypothetical exercise, as real-world data requires access to proprietary databases and real-time information.

**Alzheimer's Score: Doctors in ZIP Code 28350 & Primary Care Availability in Lakeview**

Evaluating the quality of Alzheimer's care and primary care availability requires a multi-faceted approach. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the constraints of the provided framework.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A critical factor in assessing healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely care, particularly for specialized needs like Alzheimer's diagnosis and management. In ZIP code 28350, determining this ratio requires identifying the total number of primary care physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists practicing within the area. This data would then be compared to the estimated population of the zip code. Lakeview, as a fictional town, presents a challenge. We must assume a population size to calculate a meaningful ratio. If Lakeview were a small town, the ratio might appear unfavorable simply due to a smaller pool of available physicians. Conversely, a larger population might necessitate a higher physician count to maintain adequate access.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the presence of board-certified specialists (neurologists, geriatricians), the availability of specialized diagnostic tools (advanced imaging, cognitive assessments), and the use of evidence-based treatment protocols. In ZIP code 28350, the presence of a practice dedicated to Alzheimer's care or a memory care clinic would be a significant positive indicator. For Lakeview, the existence of a primary care practice with a strong focus on preventative care, including cognitive screening for older adults, would be highly desirable. The reputation of a practice, as reflected in patient reviews and testimonials, also plays a crucial role.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining whether physicians in ZIP code 28350 and primary care providers in Lakeview offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. These technologies allow for convenient follow-up appointments, medication management, and communication with healthcare providers. The availability of telemedicine for cognitive assessments and neuropsychological testing would be a particularly valuable asset in the context of Alzheimer's care.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The availability of mental health resources is therefore crucial. In ZIP code 28350, the presence of psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups specializing in geriatric mental health and dementia care would be highly beneficial. For Lakeview, the existence of a local mental health clinic or a partnership between primary care practices and mental health professionals would be a positive indicator. Access to respite care services, which provide temporary relief for caregivers, is another important consideration.

**Specifics within the Framework:**

Given the limitations of this hypothetical analysis, we can only speculate. Let's assume ZIP code 28350 is a relatively rural area. The Alzheimer's Score would likely be negatively impacted if physician-to-patient ratios are unfavorable, and if specialized practices and telemedicine adoption are limited. If Lakeview is a small town, the primary care availability might appear constrained, particularly if the town lacks a robust healthcare infrastructure. However, if Lakeview has a proactive primary care practice that emphasizes preventative care, cognitive screening, and telemedicine, its score would improve.

**Conclusion:**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for both ZIP code 28350 and Lakeview is heavily dependent on the availability of resources and the proactive nature of the healthcare providers. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data on physician distribution, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health and support services. While this analysis provides a framework for evaluation, a real-world assessment would necessitate access to proprietary databases and ongoing data collection.