28479, Winnabow, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28479, Winnabow, North Carolina is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.30 percent of the residents in 28479 has some form of health insurance. 35.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.06 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 28479 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,662 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28479. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,088 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,537 health care providers accessible to residents in 28479, Winnabow, North Carolina.

The analysis below aims to assess the "Alzheimer's Score" for healthcare accessibility and resources related to Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 28479, focusing on primary care physicians in Winnabow, North Carolina. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, all critical elements in managing Alzheimer's.

Winnabow, a primarily rural area, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. A low population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers and longer travel distances for patients. This geographical constraint significantly impacts the ability of individuals, especially those with cognitive impairments, to access timely and consistent medical care.

The first critical metric in our Alzheimer's Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio requires precise data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 28479 ZIP code and the total population. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Medical Board can be used to estimate this. However, it’s essential to recognize that these figures represent averages and don't account for physician specialization, retirement, or the number of patients each physician can realistically see. A low physician-to-patient ratio is crucial for ensuring adequate access to care.

Standout practices within the area would be those demonstrating a commitment to geriatric care and dementia management. This includes practices that offer specialized services like cognitive assessments, memory clinics, or partnerships with local Alzheimer's support groups. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would further enhance their score. Identifying these practices requires examining practice websites, reviewing patient testimonials, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their approach to Alzheimer's care.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine can be a game-changer for patients in rural areas, reducing the need for travel and providing access to specialists who may not be locally available. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online access to medical records would receive higher scores. The availability of telemedicine is particularly beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, as it can simplify follow-up appointments and medication management.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes, requiring access to mental health professionals. The Alzheimer's Score must consider the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the community. The presence of support groups, caregiver training programs, and respite care services also significantly impacts the score. Assessing these resources involves researching local mental health providers, contacting community organizations, and examining the availability of support services through local hospitals and clinics.

A comprehensive Alzheimer's Score would also factor in the availability of specialized services, such as geriatricians, neurologists, and memory care specialists. These specialists possess specific expertise in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. The closer the proximity and availability of these specialists, the higher the score.

The quality of care is also a significant factor. This involves examining patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for Alzheimer's care, and assessing the practice's commitment to ongoing professional development in dementia management. Practices that consistently demonstrate a high level of patient satisfaction and adherence to best practices would receive higher scores.

The Alzheimer's Score should also consider the practice's accessibility for patients with disabilities. This includes factors such as wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, and the availability of interpreters for patients with communication difficulties. Practices that prioritize accessibility and create a welcoming environment for all patients would receive higher scores.

Furthermore, the score should consider the practice's utilization of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate communication between providers, and enhance the accuracy of medical records. Practices that have fully implemented EHRs and use them effectively to manage patient care would receive higher scores.

The Winnabow area, being rural, may face challenges in each of these areas. Limited access to specialists, a potential lack of robust telemedicine infrastructure, and fewer mental health resources could negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score. The score should reflect these limitations and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

To determine a more precise Alzheimer's Score, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes gathering data from various sources, conducting site visits, and potentially interviewing healthcare providers and patients. The final score should be a comprehensive assessment of the resources and services available to individuals with Alzheimer's disease in the 28479 ZIP code.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a static metric. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare availability, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This ongoing assessment is crucial for identifying areas where improvements are needed and for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's disease have access to the best possible care. The goal is to create a system that supports patients and their caregivers throughout the journey of Alzheimer's.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Winnabow and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and accessible overview of healthcare access within the region, helping patients and caregivers navigate the healthcare system more effectively.