28356, Linden, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28356, Linden, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.82 percent of the residents in 28356 has some form of health insurance. 34.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.48 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 28356 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,180 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28356. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 832 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,539 health care providers accessible to residents in 28356, Linden, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Linden, NC (ZIP Code 28356)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Linden, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28356), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" ranking, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This score will offer insights into the community's capacity to support individuals and families impacted by this complex neurodegenerative disease.

Linden, a small town in Cumberland County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The analysis begins with the fundamental metric: physician-to-patient ratios. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28356 ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care, particularly for a disease like Alzheimer's, which requires frequent monitoring and management.

The analysis then delves into the characteristics of primary care practices. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have better resources for specialized care. The presence of geriatric specialists, neurologists, and other specialists within the practices or readily accessible through referral networks is a significant positive factor. Practices that emphasize patient-centered care, including care coordination and chronic disease management programs, are also highly valued.

Standout practices within the community are identified by examining their reputations, patient reviews, and the scope of services offered. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including memory screenings and cognitive assessments, receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs related to Alzheimer's awareness and support groups are recognized for their contributions. The presence of dedicated staff trained in dementia care, such as certified dementia practitioners or nurses with specialized geriatric training, is also a key indicator of a practice's ability to provide high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in managing Alzheimer's disease, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. The availability of telehealth consultations for primary care visits, medication management, and mental health services is a major positive factor. Practices that utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patient health and provide timely interventions are also highly regarded.

Mental health resources are essential in the comprehensive care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists within the community is therefore crucial. The analysis considers the presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups specifically tailored to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The accessibility of these resources, including insurance acceptance and wait times for appointments, is also assessed.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability are all assigned specific weights based on their relative importance. The final score provides a comprehensive assessment of the community's capacity to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The score is not an absolute measure but rather a relative ranking, comparing the resources available in Linden to other communities.

Specific practices within the 28356 ZIP code are evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. For example, practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a lower score, while practices with geriatric specialists and robust telemedicine capabilities would receive higher scores. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling for caregivers, is also considered. Practices that offer educational resources for patients and families regarding Alzheimer's disease receive additional credit.

The assessment also considers the overall healthcare landscape in Cumberland County. The presence of hospitals with specialized geriatric units or memory care centers is a positive factor. The availability of home healthcare services, including skilled nursing and personal care assistance, is also assessed. The analysis considers the presence of support organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, which provide valuable resources and support to patients and families.

The analysis concludes with a summary of the findings and a final "Alzheimer's Score" for Linden, NC (ZIP Code 28356). This score provides a valuable benchmark for the community's capacity to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The score also identifies areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and enhancing the availability of mental health resources. This information can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to develop strategies to improve Alzheimer's care in Linden.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Linden, NC, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you analyze healthcare data and identify areas with the greatest need.