28454, Maple Hill, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28454, Maple Hill, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.01 percent of the residents in 28454 has some form of health insurance. 40.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.24 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 28454 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 601 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28454. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 341 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,071 health care providers accessible to residents in 28454, Maple Hill, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: 28454 Maple Hill, NC

This analysis delves into the availability of resources and the overall preparedness of primary care physicians within the 28454 ZIP code, specifically focusing on their capacity to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. We will assess the physician landscape in Maple Hill, North Carolina, considering factors crucial for effective Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system.

The foundation of any effective Alzheimer's care plan rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Maple Hill, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise, publicly available data on physician density within this specific ZIP code is often limited, we can extrapolate based on county-level statistics and regional trends. Onslow County, where Maple Hill is located, may face challenges common to rural areas, including a potential shortage of primary care physicians. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and increased pressure on existing providers. A higher physician-to-patient ratio can negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

The quality of care is paramount. We need to assess the practices within the 28454 ZIP code and identify those that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This involves looking for practices that actively screen patients for cognitive decline, offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments, and provide ongoing management and support for individuals and their families. Standout practices may have dedicated staff trained in dementia care, offer educational resources, or participate in clinical trials related to Alzheimer's disease. The presence of such practices would significantly elevate the Alzheimer's Score.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in Maple Hill is crucial. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of patients with Alzheimer's disease, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. A higher rate of telemedicine adoption would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are an integral component of Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the 28454 ZIP code is vital. Access to these resources can help manage these symptoms and improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. The presence of robust mental health support would contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score.

The integration of these elements – physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – allows us to construct an Alzheimer's Score for the 28454 ZIP code. A high score would indicate a healthcare system well-equipped to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, while a low score would highlight areas requiring improvement. The specific score would be determined by a complex algorithm considering the weighted importance of each factor.

For example, a practice demonstrating a proactive approach to cognitive screening, offering telemedicine options, and having strong connections with local mental health providers would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources, long wait times, and a lack of specialized dementia care would receive a lower score. The overall score is a snapshot of the preparedness of the healthcare system to provide comprehensive Alzheimer's care.

The presence of specialized geriatric care providers in the area is another crucial factor. Geriatricians possess specialized training in the care of older adults, including the diagnosis and management of dementia. Their availability and accessibility in Maple Hill would significantly impact the Alzheimer's Score. The presence of memory care specialists, such as neurologists or neuropsychologists, would also contribute positively to the score, indicating a higher level of expertise in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease.

Caregiver support is another crucial component of Alzheimer's care. The availability of support groups, respite care services, and educational programs for caregivers is essential for helping them cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. The presence of these resources would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score, recognizing the importance of supporting the caregivers who are often the primary source of care for individuals with Alzheimer's.

The coordination of care is also essential. The healthcare system in Maple Hill should facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The implementation of electronic health records and other technologies can facilitate this coordination, ensuring that all providers have access to the same information and can work together to provide the best possible care.

Finally, the overall Alzheimer's Score would be influenced by the community's awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Public health initiatives, educational programs, and community events can help raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, reduce stigma, and encourage early detection and diagnosis. A community that actively promotes Alzheimer's awareness would contribute positively to the overall score.

In conclusion, assessing the Alzheimer's Score for the 28454 ZIP code involves a multifaceted evaluation of the local healthcare landscape. It requires careful consideration of physician availability, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the level of community support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The resulting score provides a valuable snapshot of the area's preparedness to address the needs of this vulnerable population.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Maple Hill, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the proximity of mental health services, we encourage you to explore interactive maps and detailed data visualizations. Visit CartoChrome maps to explore the healthcare landscape of 28454 and discover the resources available to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.