28405, Wilmington, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.12 percent of the residents in 28405 has some form of health insurance. 35.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.99 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 28405 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,971 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28405. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,723 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 28405, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in areas with aging populations. This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care in Wilmington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28405), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. We will assess the landscape based on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, ultimately providing an Alzheimer's Score assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially compromised care for patients with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's. In Wilmington, the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for primary care physicians, needs careful examination. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be used to calculate this ratio. A higher ratio, while not the sole determinant of quality, suggests a potentially more favorable environment for accessing timely and consistent care. The analysis will consider the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 28405 ZIP code and compare it to the population of that area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes analyzing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. Positive reviews frequently highlight attributes such as compassionate care, clear communication, and effective management of chronic conditions. Conversely, negative reviews can flag issues like long wait times, poor bedside manner, or inadequate coordination of care.

Another crucial factor is the availability of board-certified geriatricians or physicians with specialized training in geriatrics. These specialists possess specific expertise in the unique needs of older adults, including the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Their presence within a practice or network of providers is a significant advantage for patients. Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the integration of care, exploring how well primary care physicians collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, who are essential in managing Alzheimer's.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The ability to consult with a physician remotely can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients and caregivers. Practices that offer telemedicine options, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and electronic communication, will receive higher scores. The analysis will investigate which primary care practices in 28405 offer telemedicine services and the scope of those services.

Mental health resources are crucial for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The disease can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes. Caregivers often experience burnout and require support. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the 28405 area. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and support groups. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices and the degree of collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals are also important considerations.

The Alzheimer's Score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio will contribute a significant percentage to the overall score, reflecting the importance of access to care. The quality of individual practices, as determined by patient reviews, specialist availability, and integration of care, will also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption will be considered a positive factor, particularly in a region with a potentially dispersed population. Finally, the availability of mental health resources will contribute to the score, recognizing the critical need for these services.

The analysis will not provide a simple numerical score, but rather a nuanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in 28405 concerning Alzheimer's care. The assessment will highlight specific practices that demonstrate excellence in care delivery, telemedicine adoption, and collaboration with mental health professionals. It will also identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of geriatricians or expanding access to mental health services.

The findings will be valuable for several audiences. Patients and their caregivers can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance against their peers. Policymakers can use the data to identify gaps in care and develop strategies to address the needs of the aging population.

The challenges of Alzheimer's care extend beyond medical treatment. The disease impacts every aspect of a patient's life, and the support of caregivers is crucial. The analysis will therefore consider the availability of resources for caregivers, such as respite care, support groups, and educational programs. The presence of these resources will positively influence the Alzheimer's Score, recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to care.

The assessment will also consider the accessibility of information and resources. Practices that offer patient-friendly websites, educational materials, and multilingual services will receive higher scores. Clear communication and patient education are essential for empowering patients and caregivers to manage the disease effectively.

The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The Alzheimer's Score is not intended to be a static measure but rather a dynamic assessment that evolves with the changing needs of the community. The goal is to provide a valuable tool for improving Alzheimer's care in Wilmington, North Carolina.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28405, consider exploring the power of geospatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can help visualize physician locations, resource availability, and demographic data, providing a comprehensive overview of the factors impacting Alzheimer's care.