28425, Burgaw, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.17 percent of the residents in 28425 has some form of health insurance. 39.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 28425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,349 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,873 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,694 health care providers accessible to residents in 28425, Burgaw, North Carolina.

The Alzheimer's Score for Burgaw, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28425), a metric assessing the quality and accessibility of care for individuals facing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, presents a complex picture. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, the integration of telemedicine, the presence of mental health support, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. While specific data points are constantly evolving, this assessment provides a snapshot of the current landscape and identifies areas for potential improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios in Burgaw, particularly concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists, significantly influence the Alzheimer's Score. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and inadequate initial management. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating treatment and implementing care plans that can improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's. The availability of neurologists, specialists in brain disorders, is even more critical. Neurologists are essential for definitive diagnosis, medication management, and access to clinical trials. The higher the ratio of patients to physicians, the lower the score.

Primary care availability in Burgaw is a critical factor. Access to regular check-ups, preventative care, and the ability of PCPs to identify early cognitive changes significantly impact the score. The presence of geriatricians, physicians specializing in the care of older adults, is particularly important. Geriatricians have specific expertise in managing the complex medical needs of this population, including cognitive decline, polypharmacy (multiple medications), and age-related illnesses. The availability of these specialists directly contributes to a higher score.

Standout practices in Burgaw, if any, would significantly boost the Alzheimer's Score. These practices might exhibit several characteristics. First, they would likely have a dedicated focus on geriatric care, possibly including a memory clinic or specialized cognitive assessment programs. Second, they would be proactive in screening for cognitive impairment, using validated tools to identify early signs of dementia. Third, they would demonstrate a commitment to patient and family education, providing resources and support to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's. Finally, they would have established referral pathways to specialists and community resources.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in Burgaw. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas who may face transportation difficulties. Teleconsultations with neurologists, remote monitoring of patients, and virtual support groups are all valuable applications. However, the success of telemedicine depends on reliable internet access, patient and provider comfort with technology, and appropriate reimbursement models. A high score would reflect a widespread and effective implementation of telemedicine services.

Mental health resources are integral to the Alzheimer's Score. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is vital for managing these symptoms and improving the overall well-being of both patients and their caregivers. The availability of support groups, respite care services, and caregiver training programs also contributes to a higher score. The presence of these resources, and their accessibility, directly impacts the score.

The overall healthcare infrastructure in Burgaw plays a significant role. The availability of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare services is critical. These facilities must be equipped to provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's, including trained staff, appropriate environmental modifications, and programs designed to address the unique needs of this population. The quality of these facilities and the availability of specialized memory care units further influence the score.

The Alzheimer's Score for Burgaw, 28425, is likely moderate, reflecting the challenges of providing comprehensive dementia care in a rural setting. While the presence of primary care physicians and some specialists is likely, the physician-to-patient ratios, particularly for neurologists, may be a concern. The adoption of telemedicine may be limited by internet access and technological proficiency. The availability of mental health resources and specialized care facilities may be limited.

Overall, the Alzheimer's Score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the community's commitment to providing quality care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Improvements in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall healthcare infrastructure can significantly improve the score.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Burgaw, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable tool for understanding the geographic distribution of physicians, facilities, and other resources, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning to improve Alzheimer's care in the community.