28436, Delco, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28436, Delco, North Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.53 percent of the residents in 28436 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.17 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 28436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28436. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28436, Delco, North Carolina.

The analysis of Alzheimer's care within ZIP Code 28436 and primary care availability in Delaware County (Delco) requires a multi-faceted approach. We will evaluate the landscape, focusing on factors influencing care quality and accessibility, and propose a hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" assessment. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing Alzheimer's disease.

**Alzheimer's Score Framework**

The "Alzheimer's Score" will be a hypothetical metric, not a real-world rating. It’s designed to illustrate how different aspects contribute to the overall quality of care. The score will be based on a 100-point scale, with points allocated across various categories.

* **Physician Availability (30 points):** This considers the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically focusing on neurologists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians (PCPs) with experience in dementia care. A higher ratio (more physicians per patient) earns more points.
* **Specialized Practices (25 points):** This category assesses the presence of memory care clinics, geriatric assessment centers, and practices offering specialized diagnostic and treatment services for Alzheimer's.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (20 points):** The extent to which practices offer telemedicine consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups will be evaluated. Higher adoption rates earn more points.
* **Mental Health Resources (25 points):** This considers the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups within the community, crucial for managing the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with Alzheimer's.

**Analysis: ZIP Code 28436**

ZIP Code 28436, encompassing the town of Burgaw, North Carolina, presents a unique challenge. It is a rural area, and access to specialized medical care can be limited.

**Physician Availability:** The physician-to-patient ratio in 28436 likely presents a significant hurdle. Rural areas often face shortages of specialists, including neurologists and geriatricians. The availability of PCPs is also a critical factor, as they often serve as the first point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms. A low physician-to-patient ratio would significantly impact the "Alzheimer's Score" in this category.

**Specialized Practices:** The presence of specialized memory care clinics or geriatric assessment centers within 28436 is unlikely. Residents may need to travel to larger cities, such as Wilmington, for these services. This lack of local specialized resources would negatively affect the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine adoption could be a crucial factor in improving access to care in 28436. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups could mitigate some of the challenges posed by geographic limitations. The "Alzheimer's Score" would reflect the level of telemedicine integration.

**Mental Health Resources:** The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is vital for supporting patients and caregivers. The score would be influenced by the number of mental health professionals and the availability of support groups.

**Analysis: Primary Care Availability in Delco**

Delaware County, Pennsylvania, presents a different scenario compared to 28436. It is a more densely populated area with a greater concentration of medical resources.

**Physician Availability:** Delco likely has a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio than 28436, particularly regarding PCPs. The availability of neurologists and geriatricians might be higher, although still potentially strained due to the increasing aging population. This would positively influence the "Alzheimer's Score."

**Specialized Practices:** Delco probably has a greater number of specialized practices, including memory care clinics, geriatric assessment centers, and practices with expertise in Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The presence of these specialized resources would significantly boost the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine adoption rates may vary across practices in Delco. The score would reflect the degree to which practices utilize telemedicine to provide care.

**Mental Health Resources:** Delco likely has a more robust network of mental health resources, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. This would positively impact the "Alzheimer's Score."

**Overall "Alzheimer's Score" Considerations**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for 28436 would likely be lower than that for Delco. The rural setting of 28436 poses significant challenges in terms of physician availability, specialized practices, and access to mental health resources. Delco, with its greater population density and more developed healthcare infrastructure, would likely score higher.

**Standout Practices and Considerations**

Identifying "standout practices" would require a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. We would need to assess their specific expertise in Alzheimer's care, their commitment to patient education, and their use of innovative technologies. For example, practices actively involved in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would likely be considered leaders in the field. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including diagnostic services, treatment planning, and support for caregivers, would also be highly regarded.

**The Importance of Telemedicine**

Telemedicine adoption is crucial in both locations. In 28436, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialized care. In Delco, telemedicine can supplement in-person visits, making care more convenient and accessible. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring, allowing physicians to track patients' conditions and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

**Mental Health's Critical Role**

Mental health resources are essential for managing the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with Alzheimer's. Patients and caregivers often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists is critical for providing support and improving quality of life. Support groups offer a valuable forum for caregivers to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.

**Conclusion**

The quality of Alzheimer's care varies significantly depending on geographic location and the availability of resources. While this analysis offers a hypothetical framework, a comprehensive assessment requires detailed data collection and analysis.

**Call to Action**

To visualize the complex landscape of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the availability of Alzheimer's care in specific areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore the interactive maps to identify healthcare providers, assess physician-to-patient ratios, and evaluate the availability of specialized services and mental health resources. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, facilitating informed decision-making and improving access to care.