28424, Brunswick, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28424, Brunswick, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28424 has some form of health insurance. 58.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.73 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 28424 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28424. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,268 health care providers accessible to residents in 28424, Brunswick, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems globally. The availability of adequate medical resources, particularly primary care physicians and specialized geriatric care, is crucial for early diagnosis, management, and support for individuals and families affected by this condition. Analyzing the healthcare landscape within a specific geographical area, such as ZIP Code 28424 (Brunswick County, North Carolina), offers valuable insights into the preparedness of the community to address the needs of Alzheimer's patients. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," will evaluate the accessibility and quality of care for Alzheimer's patients in Brunswick County, focusing on primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In ZIP Code 28424, a critical examination of the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing and accepting new patients is essential. The national average PCP-to-population ratio serves as a benchmark. A lower ratio in 28424 could indicate potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation for Alzheimer's patients. Furthermore, the age distribution of the population in Brunswick County is relevant, as Alzheimer's incidence increases with age. An older demographic necessitates a higher concentration of geriatric specialists and PCPs with experience in managing age-related cognitive decline. The "Alzheimer's Score" would consider the PCP-to-patient ratio, factoring in the age profile of the population to determine the adequacy of primary care resources.

Standout practices within the 28424 ZIP code warrant recognition. Practices demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care often distinguish themselves through specific initiatives. These could include specialized memory clinics, partnerships with local Alzheimer's support groups, or participation in clinical trials related to Alzheimer's research. The "Alzheimer's Score" would identify and evaluate these practices, highlighting their strengths in areas such as diagnostic accuracy, patient education, and caregiver support. Practices that proactively screen for cognitive impairment during routine checkups, utilize standardized cognitive assessments, and offer comprehensive care plans would receive higher ratings. Furthermore, the availability of multilingual staff and culturally sensitive care are vital in a diverse community.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in 28424 is an important factor in the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine platforms can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management for Alzheimer's patients. This can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. The "Alzheimer's Score" would assess the extent to which PCPs in the area utilize telemedicine, considering factors such as the availability of secure video conferencing platforms, the integration of telemedicine into existing workflows, and the training provided to both physicians and patients. Practices that embrace telemedicine to provide accessible care to patients would be rated favorably.

Mental health resources are crucial for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease is substantial. The "Alzheimer's Score" must evaluate the availability and accessibility of mental health services within the 28424 ZIP code. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and therapists specializing in geriatrics and dementia. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and respite care for caregivers is also critical. The score would assess the proximity of these resources, the insurance coverage accepted, and the waiting times for appointments. A strong network of mental health support services is essential for managing the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Primary care availability in Brunswick County, as a whole, influences the overall "Alzheimer's Score" for the 28424 ZIP code. The county's healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home healthcare agencies, plays a crucial role in supporting Alzheimer's patients. The "Alzheimer's Score" would consider the presence of specialized geriatric units within hospitals, the availability of dementia-specific care in nursing homes, and the capacity of home healthcare agencies to provide skilled nursing and personal care services. Coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers is essential for delivering comprehensive care. The score would assess the level of collaboration and communication among these providers.

In conclusion, the "Alzheimer's Score" for ZIP Code 28424 and the primary care availability in Brunswick County is a complex assessment. It is based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This score highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing the needs of Alzheimer's patients. It also identifies areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding access to telemedicine, and strengthening mental health support services. This assessment, in turn, helps to guide healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in their efforts to improve the quality of care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

For a comprehensive, data-driven visualization of the healthcare landscape in Brunswick County, including the distribution of healthcare providers and the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare services and identifying areas with unmet needs.