28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.52 percent of the residents in 28460 has some form of health insurance. 26.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.32 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 28460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28460. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,515 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 702 health care providers accessible to residents in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina.

The analysis will utilize publicly available data and does not constitute medical advice.
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Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 28460, specifically focusing on primary care physicians and their capacity to address the needs of a population potentially facing Alzheimer's disease, requires a multi-faceted approach. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in supporting individuals and families impacted by this complex condition. The area of Sneads Ferry, within this ZIP code, is the primary geographic focus.

Determining a precise "Alzheimer's Score" is challenging due to the lack of a standardized, publicly accessible metric. However, we can construct a framework based on the factors mentioned above, providing a relative ranking and highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate these ratios. While precise figures for individual ZIP codes may be difficult to obtain, county-level data provides a useful starting point. In areas with a higher elderly population, like Sneads Ferry, this ratio is particularly critical. A low ratio suggests a strain on resources, potentially impacting the ability of primary care physicians to adequately screen for and manage Alzheimer's.

Within the 28460 ZIP code, identifying standout practices is essential. This involves looking beyond the raw physician-to-patient ratio and assessing the services offered. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, memory care, and cognitive assessments are highly valuable. Do these practices have dedicated staff trained in geriatric medicine? Do they offer cognitive screening tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)? Do they collaborate with specialists like neurologists and geriatric psychiatrists? Practices actively participating in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would be considered a significant asset. Information about these services can be found through online physician directories, practice websites, and patient reviews.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages in the context of Alzheimer's care. It can improve access to specialists, reduce travel burdens for patients and caregivers, and facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote cognitive assessments, and online support groups demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. Examining practice websites, and telehealth directories, can help assess telemedicine availability. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a consideration, as it directly impacts the effectiveness of telemedicine services.

The availability of mental health resources is paramount. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is vital for managing these symptoms and supporting caregivers. Investigating the presence of mental health providers within the 28460 ZIP code, including their specialties and areas of expertise, is critical. Are there local support groups specifically for Alzheimer's patients and their families? Are there resources for caregiver education and respite care? Information about mental health resources can be found through local health departments, community centers, and online directories.

A comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" for the primary care landscape in Sneads Ferry would involve a weighted assessment of these factors. A higher score would indicate a healthcare environment that is better equipped to address the needs of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease. This score would be relative, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system compared to other areas.

The analysis would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, giving more weight to areas with lower ratios. The presence of specialized services, such as geriatric care and memory clinics, would significantly boost the score. The adoption of telemedicine, particularly for cognitive assessments and specialist consultations, would also be positively weighted. The availability of mental health resources, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, would be a crucial factor. Finally, practices actively participating in Alzheimer's research or clinical trials would receive additional credit.

Based on publicly available data, and assuming the physician-to-patient ratio is average for a rural area, and considering the potential for limited specialized geriatric care and mental health resources, the initial "Alzheimer's Score" for primary care in Sneads Ferry, ZIP code 28460, would likely be moderate. This assessment highlights the need for further investigation to confirm these assumptions and identify specific areas for improvement.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare landscape. It is critical for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's to have access to timely diagnoses, comprehensive care, and supportive resources. The evaluation of these factors, along with the ongoing monitoring of healthcare trends, is essential for ensuring the well-being of the community.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare resources available in Sneads Ferry and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the distribution of physicians, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore interactive maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to identify potential gaps in care and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Visit CartoChrome maps today to begin your exploration.