Health Scores Near 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.75 percent of the residents in 28457 has some form of health insurance. 39.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.70 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 28457 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,305 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28457. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,254 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,980 health care providers accessible to residents in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28457, Rocky Point, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 50 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 13 |
| Provider Score | 85 |
| Hospital Score | 41 |
| Travel Score | 53 |
| 28457 | Rocky Point | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Primary Care in Rocky Point, NC (ZIP Code 28457)**
Rocky Point, North Carolina, a small community nestled in Pender County, presents a unique challenge when assessing Alzheimer's care accessibility. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is increasing nationwide, and rural areas often face disparities in healthcare access. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 28457 ZIP code and surrounding areas, considering factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Accessibility**
A fundamental metric for evaluating healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio indicates the number of patients served by each physician. In areas with a low ratio, patients may experience longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and state licensing boards are essential to determine the exact PCP count within the 28457 ZIP code. However, given the rural nature of Rocky Point, it is highly probable that the physician-to-patient ratio is less favorable than in more urbanized areas.
Patients with Alzheimer's require frequent medical attention, including regular check-ups, medication management, and monitoring for complications. A high physician-to-patient ratio can negatively impact the quality of care for these patients, making it challenging to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support. Furthermore, transportation limitations, a common issue in rural communities, can exacerbate access problems.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact**
While a low physician-to-patient ratio may be a concern, the quality of available primary care practices is equally important. Identifying standout practices involves examining several factors, including the experience and specialization of the physicians, the range of services offered, and patient reviews. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including specialized training in Alzheimer's and dementia, are particularly valuable. These practices often have a better understanding of the unique needs of patients with cognitive decline and can provide more comprehensive care.
Furthermore, practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, prioritizing communication, empathy, and shared decision-making, are more likely to build strong relationships with patients and their families. These relationships are crucial for managing the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, which often requires coordinating care with specialists, caregivers, and support services.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**
Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers a promising solution for improving access to care in rural areas like Rocky Point. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments.
For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial. It allows physicians to monitor patients' cognitive function, assess their medication adherence, and provide support to caregivers without requiring in-person visits. Telemedicine can also connect patients with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, who may not be readily available in the local area.
The adoption of telemedicine among primary care practices in the 28457 ZIP code is a critical factor in assessing Alzheimer's care accessibility. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better equipped to provide timely and convenient care to patients, regardless of their location. Information regarding the adoption rate can be obtained from practice websites, insurance companies, and state healthcare organizations.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component**
Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, an essential aspect of comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Primary care practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, can provide patients with integrated care.
These mental health professionals can help diagnose and treat behavioral symptoms, provide counseling and support to patients and their families, and coordinate care with other healthcare providers. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and respite care services in the Rocky Point area is also critical for supporting caregivers, who often bear a significant burden in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's.
**Specific Practice Examples (Hypothetical)**
Let's assume for the sake of illustration that "Coastal Family Medicine" in a nearby town consistently receives positive reviews for its geriatric care expertise. If they offer telemedicine options, it would significantly improve their score. Another practice, "Rocky Point Primary Care," might be praised for its patient-centered approach, but a lack of mental health partnerships would lower its score. These are hypothetical examples; actual practice assessments would require detailed research.
**Conclusion: Assessing the Landscape**
Evaluating the quality of Alzheimer's care in Rocky Point requires a multi-faceted approach. The physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources all play crucial roles in determining access to care. While rural areas often face challenges, innovative approaches, such as telemedicine and integrated care models, can help mitigate these challenges and improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
**Call to Action**
To visualize the healthcare landscape in Rocky Point and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care practices, the availability of specialists, and the presence of mental health resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps offer a comprehensive and user-friendly way to understand the healthcare resources available in your community.
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