28464, Teachey, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28464, Teachey, North Carolina is 3 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.07 percent of the residents in 28464 has some form of health insurance. 59.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.04 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 28464 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 812 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28464. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 474 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 28464, Teachey, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in communities with aging populations. Assessing the resources available to address this illness requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis examines the state of Alzheimer's care within ZIP Code 28464 (Teachey, North Carolina) and the broader context of primary care availability in that area. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care system.

ZIP Code 28464, encompassing the town of Teachey, NC, is a rural area. This geographic characteristic heavily influences healthcare access and the availability of specialized services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. In rural areas, this ratio often lags behind urban centers, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists practicing within the 28464 ZIP Code is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide this information. However, the data needs to be current. It is imperative to determine the ratio of physicians specializing in geriatrics or neurology to the population aged 65 and older within the ZIP Code. This data will provide a baseline understanding of the accessibility of specialized care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and availability of primary care are vital. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, conduct initial assessments, and make timely referrals to specialists is essential. A review of primary care practices within the area should evaluate their capacity to provide comprehensive care. This includes assessing the availability of memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and the ability to coordinate care with specialists. Furthermore, it is crucial to examine the practices' familiarity with the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Standout practices are those that excel in providing patient-centered care for individuals with Alzheimer's. Identifying these practices requires a deep dive into their operations. Factors to consider include: the use of standardized cognitive assessment tools, the availability of care coordination services, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's care should be recognized. Additionally, assessing patient satisfaction through surveys and reviews can help identify practices that prioritize the needs of their patients and families.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for expanding access to care, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by physicians in ZIP Code 28464 needs evaluation. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, provide access to educational resources, and enable remote monitoring of patients' conditions. An analysis should determine the number of practices offering telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technologies used. Barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as internet access and reimbursement policies, should also be considered.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about changes in mood, behavior, and emotional well-being. Individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers require access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. Assessing the availability of these resources in and around Teachey is crucial. This includes identifying the number of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers) practicing in the area, the availability of support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, and the accessibility of mental health services for individuals with limited mobility or transportation options.

The availability of specialized services, such as geriatricians and neurologists, is a critical factor. These specialists possess the expertise needed to diagnose and manage Alzheimer's disease. The analysis should determine the number of geriatricians and neurologists practicing within a reasonable radius of ZIP Code 28464. It should also assess the wait times for appointments with these specialists and the availability of specialized diagnostic testing, such as MRI and PET scans.

Caregiver support is an essential component of Alzheimer's care. Caregivers often face significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The analysis should evaluate the availability of caregiver support services in the area. This includes assessing the availability of respite care, adult day care, and support groups specifically designed for caregivers. It should also consider the availability of financial assistance programs and other resources that can help caregivers manage the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

The analysis should consider the role of community organizations and non-profit organizations in providing Alzheimer's care. These organizations often play a vital role in providing education, support, and resources to individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The analysis should identify the presence of organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and the local chapters of other relevant organizations. It should also assess the services offered by these organizations, such as support groups, educational programs, and advocacy efforts.

The role of hospitals and long-term care facilities in providing Alzheimer's care should also be evaluated. Hospitals often play a role in diagnosing and treating acute complications of Alzheimer's. Long-term care facilities provide specialized care for individuals with advanced stages of the disease. The analysis should assess the availability of specialized Alzheimer's units in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. It should also consider the quality of care provided by these facilities, as measured by factors such as staffing levels, staff training, and resident satisfaction.

The availability of transportation services can significantly impact access to care. Individuals with Alzheimer's may have difficulty driving or using public transportation. The analysis should assess the availability of transportation services for individuals with Alzheimer's in the area. This includes identifying the availability of transportation programs offered by local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers.

Finally, the analysis should consider the impact of social determinants of health on Alzheimer's care. Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthy food. The analysis should assess the impact of these factors on access to Alzheimer's care in ZIP Code 28464. This includes considering the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, the availability of affordable housing, and the access to healthy food options.

In conclusion, a thorough understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28464 is crucial for addressing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. The analysis must consider a range of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. By assessing these factors, we can identify areas of strength and weakness and develop strategies to improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Teachey and surrounding areas, including physician locations, facility locations, and resource availability, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.