28442, Hallsboro, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28442, Hallsboro, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.33 percent of the residents in 28442 has some form of health insurance. 49.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.85 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 28442 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 223 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28442. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 372 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,249 health care providers accessible to residents in 28442, Hallsboro, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care can be limited. This analysis assesses the landscape of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 28442 (Hallsboro, North Carolina) and the surrounding region, focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to support patients and their families. We will evaluate the existing infrastructure, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment.

The initial assessment reveals a critical need for enhanced Alzheimer's care in Hallsboro and its surrounding areas. The physician-to-patient ratio, specifically regarding primary care physicians, is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per resident, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. Hallsboro, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, exacerbating this issue. This scarcity necessitates a proactive approach to address the healthcare needs of the aging population.

The availability of primary care physicians is paramount. Early diagnosis and ongoing management of Alzheimer's often begin with a primary care physician. These doctors are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. They can conduct initial assessments, refer patients to specialists like neurologists or geriatricians for more comprehensive evaluations, and coordinate care. The absence of readily available primary care physicians creates a significant barrier to timely intervention and effective disease management.

Standout practices within the region, if any, would be crucial to highlight. These could be practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care through specialized training for their staff, implementation of memory clinics, or participation in clinical trials. Identifying such practices would be essential to direct patients and their families to the best available resources. These practices would serve as models for others to emulate, fostering a higher standard of care within the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographical challenges faced by rural communities. Virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and online support groups can all improve access to care. The extent to which practices in 28442 have adopted telemedicine technologies will significantly influence the "Alzheimer's Score." Practices embracing telemedicine are better positioned to serve a wider patient base and provide more convenient access to care.

Mental health resources are also essential. Alzheimer's disease can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of both patients and their caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is therefore a crucial component of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care system. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Assessing the availability of these mental health resources is a vital component of the "Alzheimer's Score" analysis. The presence of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, is a key indicator of the community's capacity to support individuals and families coping with Alzheimer's.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for 28442 would be negatively impacted by limited access to primary care physicians. The low physician-to-patient ratio would significantly lower the score. The absence of standout practices with specialized Alzheimer's care programs would further reduce the score. A lack of telemedicine adoption would also negatively affect the score, as it would limit access to care for those who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. The presence of mental health resources would have a positive impact, but their impact would be lessened if there are few primary care physicians.

The overall assessment of the Alzheimer's care landscape in Hallsboro (28442) reveals a need for significant improvement. The community must prioritize increasing the number of primary care physicians, encouraging the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding access to mental health resources. Supporting existing practices in enhancing their Alzheimer's care capabilities and encouraging the development of specialized programs are also vital steps.

The challenges faced by Hallsboro are not unique. Rural communities across the country often struggle with similar issues. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Hallsboro and the surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care physicians, mental health facilities, and other relevant services, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can help you visualize the healthcare landscape and identify the resources closest to you.