28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.03 percent of the residents in 28352 has some form of health insurance. 46.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.37 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 28352 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,165 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28352. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,950 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,649 health care providers accessible to residents in 28352, Laurinburg, North Carolina.

The analysis of Alzheimer's care within ZIP Code 28352, encompassing Laurinburg, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach, considering the availability of primary care physicians, the overall healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of resources specifically geared towards managing Alzheimer's disease. This assessment will generate an 'Alzheimer's Score,' reflecting the quality and accessibility of care within the defined geographic area.

Laurinburg, a town in Scotland County, faces challenges common to many rural communities, including potential limitations in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau will be essential in determining this ratio for primary care physicians within the 28352 ZIP code. This figure will serve as a foundational element in the 'Alzheimer's Score.'

Primary care availability is paramount. Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's relies heavily on the vigilance of primary care physicians. They are often the first point of contact for patients exhibiting cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, conduct initial assessments, and refer patients to specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, is crucial. The 'Alzheimer's Score' will evaluate the accessibility of primary care, considering factors like appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and the geographic distribution of practices within Laurinburg.

Standout practices within the 28352 ZIP code will be identified based on several criteria. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care, such as offering specialized memory clinics, employing staff trained in dementia care, or actively participating in Alzheimer's research or support groups, will receive higher ratings. Reviews from patients and their families, as well as the practice's participation in quality improvement initiatives, will also be considered. These practices are pivotal in establishing a strong foundation for Alzheimer's care in the community.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. The 'Alzheimer's Score' will assess the extent to which primary care physicians and specialists in Laurinburg utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients with Alzheimer's. The availability of reliable internet access, a significant factor in rural areas, will also be considered.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is critical for managing these symptoms and providing support to both patients and their caregivers. The 'Alzheimer's Score' will evaluate the presence of mental health services within the 28352 ZIP code, including the availability of therapists specializing in geriatric care and dementia-related issues.

Support groups and caregiver resources are also essential components. Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's face significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The availability of local support groups, educational programs, and respite care services can significantly improve their quality of life and enable them to provide better care for their loved ones. The 'Alzheimer's Score' will consider the presence and accessibility of these resources within the community.

The 'Alzheimer's Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will each contribute to the overall score. The weighting assigned to each factor will reflect its relative importance in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The score will provide a snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care in Laurinburg, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The process of generating the 'Alzheimer's Score' will involve data collection from various sources. Publicly available data from government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations will be gathered and analyzed. Information will be cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and completeness. The analysis will be conducted with an awareness of the limitations of available data and the potential for biases.

The final 'Alzheimer's Score' will be presented in a clear and concise format, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology used. The analysis will include specific recommendations for improving Alzheimer's care in Laurinburg, focusing on areas where the community is lacking. This may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or establishing new support groups for caregivers.

The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and the availability of new data. This will ensure that the 'Alzheimer's Score' remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing and improving Alzheimer's care in Laurinburg. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment that can inform decision-making and drive positive change.

The creation of the 'Alzheimer's Score' is a complex undertaking, requiring careful consideration of multiple factors. The final score will be a valuable resource for individuals, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations interested in improving Alzheimer's care in Laurinburg. It will provide a benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurinburg and the surrounding areas, explore interactive maps and data visualizations using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer powerful tools for analyzing geographic data and identifying patterns and trends.