28372, Pembroke, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28372, Pembroke, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.29 percent of the residents in 28372 has some form of health insurance. 36.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.06 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 28372 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,536 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28372. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,380 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,069 health care providers accessible to residents in 28372, Pembroke, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Pembroke, NC (ZIP Code 28372)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Pembroke, North Carolina (ZIP code 28372), necessitates a focused examination of factors impacting Alzheimer's care. This includes evaluating primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telehealth, and the presence of supportive mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape for individuals and families navigating this challenging disease.

Pembroke, a town within Robeson County, faces unique healthcare challenges due to its rural setting and demographic profile. The county's population includes a significant proportion of elderly residents, placing increased demand on healthcare services, particularly those related to age-related conditions like Alzheimer's. The availability of primary care physicians forms the cornerstone of effective Alzheimer's care. Early diagnosis and ongoing management depend heavily on the accessibility of these physicians.

Evaluating primary care availability involves assessing the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28372 ZIP code and its surrounding areas. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide this information. However, merely counting physicians is insufficient. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the type of practice setting impacts accessibility. Practices accepting Medicare and Medicaid patients are essential for ensuring access for the elderly population, who are often the most vulnerable to Alzheimer's. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments can also improve access. The presence of practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals may offer additional resources, such as access to specialists and diagnostic services.

Identifying standout practices involves recognizing those that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This can include practices with physicians specializing in geriatrics or neurology, who possess specialized knowledge and experience in diagnosing and managing the disease. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Pembroke. Telehealth allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine involves assessing the availability of telehealth services offered by primary care practices and specialists in the area.

The availability of mental health resources is critical for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Alzheimer's often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and providing support to both patients and their families.

Analyzing mental health resources involves identifying the presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups within the 28372 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. The availability of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, directly impacts the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Pembroke, NC (28372) would be derived from a weighted analysis of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with ample primary care availability, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas of concern, such as limited access to primary care, a shortage of specialists, and a lack of supportive services.

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, data from various sources would need to be integrated. This includes information from the North Carolina Medical Board, CMS, local healthcare providers, and community organizations. Furthermore, qualitative data, such as patient feedback and caregiver experiences, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

The final "Alzheimer's Score" should not only reflect the current state of healthcare access but also identify areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources.

Pembroke's healthcare landscape, like many rural communities, faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers. By focusing on improving access to primary care, promoting telemedicine adoption, and strengthening mental health resources, Pembroke can work towards creating a more supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The analysis would also need to consider the social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, transportation access, and housing stability. These factors can significantly impact an individual's ability to access and utilize healthcare services.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is not a static measure. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ongoing monitoring allows for the identification of trends and the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions.

Ultimately, the goal of the "Alzheimer's Score" analysis is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare environment for individuals with Alzheimer's in Pembroke, NC (28372). This information can be used to inform decision-making, guide resource allocation, and ultimately improve the quality of care for those affected by this devastating disease.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pembroke, NC (28372), including physician locations, practice types, and resource availability, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of local healthcare access and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.