28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.37 percent of the residents in 28456 has some form of health insurance. 47.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.46 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 28456 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 612 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28456. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 698 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 940 health care providers accessible to residents in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities where access to specialized care and support services can be limited. This analysis examines the availability of resources for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers within the ZIP code 28456, encompassing Riegelwood, North Carolina, focusing on primary care physicians and related services. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. In 28456, the availability of primary care physicians is a concern. This area, being a rural community, likely faces a shortage of medical professionals compared to more urban centers. This shortage can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased pressure on existing physicians, and potential difficulty in securing timely diagnoses and treatment plans for Alzheimer's patients. The ratio is likely significantly below the national average, which puts a strain on the existing medical resources.

Standout practices are crucial for mitigating the challenges of limited resources. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care is vital. These practices may have specialized training in dementia care, offer memory screenings, or collaborate with local support groups. It is essential to investigate which practices actively participate in continuing medical education related to Alzheimer's and other dementias. These practices often have staff trained in geriatric care and understand the specific needs of older adults, including those with cognitive impairments.

Telemedicine adoption is another area of consideration. Telemedicine can be a game-changer in rural areas, providing access to specialists who might not be physically present in the community. It allows patients to consult with neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists remotely, reducing the need for long-distance travel and improving access to expert opinions. The Alzheimer's Score needs to assess which primary care practices offer telemedicine options and how frequently these services are utilized. This also extends to the availability of remote monitoring technologies that can help manage patients' conditions at home.

Mental health resources are vital for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The emotional and psychological toll of the disease is immense. Access to therapists, counselors, and support groups is essential for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The analysis must determine the availability of mental health professionals in the Riegelwood area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. It should also investigate the presence of support groups specifically designed for Alzheimer's patients and their families, as these groups provide invaluable emotional support and practical advice.

The assessment also considers the presence of community resources. This includes the availability of adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies. These services provide crucial support for caregivers, allowing them to take breaks and maintain their own well-being. The Alzheimer's Score should reflect the availability and accessibility of these community resources, as they play a vital role in supporting patients and their families.

The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, is not just a numerical rating but a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem in 28456. It considers physician availability, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support services. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible system of care, while a lower score highlights areas that require improvement.

The Alzheimer's Score for 28456, based on available data, would likely be moderate. The rural nature of the area presents significant challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialized services. However, the presence of any standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health and community resources can improve the score. The key is to identify and support these existing resources while also advocating for improvements in areas where care is lacking.

The assessment of specific practices requires detailed research. This includes contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing online directories, and consulting with community organizations. The goal is to gather information on the services offered, the training of staff, and the practices' commitment to Alzheimer's care. This information will be used to develop a more nuanced and accurate Alzheimer's Score.

The availability of telemedicine is another critical factor. The analysis needs to identify which practices offer telemedicine consultations, the types of specialists available through telemedicine, and the ease of access to these services. This information will be used to assess the potential for telemedicine to improve access to care for Alzheimer's patients in the area.

Mental health resources are also critical. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, the presence of support groups, and the availability of other mental health services. This information will be used to assess the adequacy of mental health support for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Finally, the analysis will consider the availability of community resources. This includes adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies. This information will be used to assess the availability of support services for caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Score, once calculated, will be used to identify areas for improvement. This may include advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and supporting the development of new mental health and community resources. The goal is to create a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for Alzheimer's patients and their families in 28456.

The Alzheimer's Score is a dynamic measure. It will need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This will ensure that the score remains relevant and useful for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It is a tool for advocacy and improvement.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Riegelwood and visualize the distribution of resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed insights into physician locations, the availability of support services, and other relevant data points.