28508, Albertson, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28508, Albertson, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.84 percent of the residents in 28508 has some form of health insurance. 45.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.08 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 28508 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 528 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28508. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 853 health care providers accessible to residents in 28508, Albertson, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative illness, demands comprehensive healthcare strategies. This analysis delves into the landscape of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 28508 and the primary care availability in Albertson, North Carolina, providing an 'Alzheimer's Score' assessment. The score considers factors critical to managing the disease, including physician access, support services, and the integration of innovative technologies.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: ZIP Code 28508**

ZIP code 28508, encompassing a portion of Jacksonville, North Carolina, presents a unique healthcare environment. The presence of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune significantly impacts demographics, including age distribution and healthcare needs. An 'Alzheimer's Score' for this area requires careful consideration of these factors.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides insights into the number of primary care physicians, neurologists, and geriatricians practicing within the ZIP code. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, signals potential access challenges. The analysis would need to compare this ratio to state and national averages, highlighting any deficits.

Standout practices are identified by their commitment to Alzheimer's care. This involves assessing clinics and hospitals that offer specialized memory care units, comprehensive diagnostic services (including advanced imaging), and participation in clinical trials. These practices often employ multidisciplinary teams, including neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, and social workers. Evaluating the availability of these specialists is vital.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The analysis would examine the extent to which practices in 28508 utilize telehealth for consultations, medication management, and patient education. The availability of virtual support groups and remote monitoring services would also be considered.

Mental health resources are essential for both patients and caregivers. Alzheimer's often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The 'Alzheimer's Score' would evaluate the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors specializing in geriatric mental health. The presence of support groups, respite care services, and caregiver education programs is also crucial.

**Primary Care Availability in Albertson, North Carolina**

Albertson, a smaller community in Duplin County, presents a different healthcare landscape. Primary care availability is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care, as primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis and management.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Albertson is paramount. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services would be used to determine the number of primary care physicians serving the community. This ratio is then compared to state and national benchmarks.

The analysis would examine the types of primary care practices available in Albertson. Are there solo practices, group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a significant role in primary care, would also be considered.

The availability of diagnostic services is critical. Does Albertson have access to facilities that can perform cognitive assessments, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures necessary for evaluating Alzheimer's? The proximity to hospitals and specialists in nearby cities would also be factored into the assessment.

Telemedicine's role in Albertson is particularly important, given the potential for limited access to specialists. The analysis would investigate the extent to which primary care physicians in Albertson utilize telehealth to connect patients with neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists.

Mental health resources in Albertson are essential. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and caregiver resources within the community and the surrounding area.

**Alzheimer's Score Methodology and Considerations**

The 'Alzheimer's Score' is not a single, definitive number. It's a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance to Alzheimer's care. The weighted scores are then aggregated to produce an overall score, which can be categorized as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor."

Several considerations are crucial. Data limitations, such as the availability of specific physician data and the accuracy of patient demographics, can affect the analysis. The analysis focuses on the availability of services, not necessarily the quality of care. It's also important to recognize that healthcare landscapes are dynamic, and conditions can change rapidly.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the healthcare resources available for Alzheimer's patients is critical for individuals, families, and healthcare providers. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the landscape in ZIP code 28508 and Albertson, North Carolina. The 'Alzheimer's Score' is a valuable tool for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. It highlights the importance of physician access, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support.

For a comprehensive, visual representation of healthcare resources in these areas, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide detailed information on physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.