28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.32 percent of the residents in 28528 has some form of health insurance. 28.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.96 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 28528 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28528. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,144 health care providers accessible to residents in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Gloucester, NC (ZIP Code 28528)

This analysis assesses the state of Alzheimer's care and primary care availability in Gloucester, North Carolina, specifically within the 28528 ZIP code. It employs a hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" framework, considering factors crucial for effective care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a standardized metric, but rather a conceptual framework. It considers several key areas. Firstly, it assesses the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists relative to the population. This is a critical indicator of access. Secondly, it examines the presence of specialized geriatric care within the area. Thirdly, it evaluates the adoption of telemedicine, which can significantly improve access to specialists, especially for those in rural or underserved areas. Finally, it considers the availability of mental health services, which are essential for managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's and supporting caregivers.

Gloucester, NC, a small coastal community, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Its rural nature can limit access to specialists and specialized care. The demographics, including a potentially aging population, may increase the demand for Alzheimer's-related services. Understanding these factors is crucial for a realistic assessment.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Accurately determining physician-to-patient ratios requires access to up-to-date data, which is often proprietary. However, we can make informed estimations. Given the rural nature of Gloucester and the surrounding areas, it's reasonable to assume that the physician-to-patient ratio for both PCPs and neurologists is likely less favorable than in more urban centers. This means there are likely fewer doctors per capita, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. This scarcity of physicians is a significant factor impacting the Alzheimer's Score.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires in-depth research, including patient reviews, practice profiles, and interviews. However, we can hypothesize about the characteristics of a practice that would excel in Alzheimer's care. A practice that prioritizes geriatric care, employs nurses or social workers with expertise in dementia, and offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services would likely stand out. The presence of memory clinics or specialized Alzheimer's care units within a practice would be highly advantageous. Furthermore, practices actively involved in community outreach, providing education and support to families, would also be considered exemplary.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care in rural areas like Gloucester. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists can reduce the need for long travel times and improve the convenience of healthcare delivery. The adoption rate of telemedicine within Gloucester's healthcare system is a crucial element of the Alzheimer's Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices that have not adopted telemedicine may be limiting access to care for some patients.

**Mental Health Resources:**

The availability of mental health resources is essential for supporting both patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Caregivers also experience significant stress and emotional burden. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) within the community is critical. The availability of support groups, respite care services, and other resources for caregivers is also a significant factor. The Alzheimer's Score would be higher in areas with a robust network of mental health services.

**Primary Care Availability in Gloucester:**

Primary care serves as the foundation of healthcare, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's. The accessibility of PCPs is crucial for early diagnosis, ongoing management, and coordination of care. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs in the area, their acceptance of new patients, and the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments. The Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted if primary care access is limited, as this can delay diagnosis and treatment.

**Specifics within ZIP Code 28528:**

Pinpointing specific practices and resources within the 28528 ZIP code necessitates thorough research. This includes identifying the names and locations of primary care clinics, neurology practices, and mental health providers. Assessing the services they offer, their acceptance of insurance, and their patient reviews is vital. It is also important to identify any local support groups or community programs dedicated to Alzheimer's care. The Alzheimer's Score is heavily influenced by the presence of these resources within the specific ZIP code.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating Alzheimer's care in Gloucester, NC, requires a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape. The Alzheimer's Score, as a conceptual framework, highlights the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, specialized care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The rural nature of the community presents both challenges and opportunities. Increased investment in telemedicine, expanded mental health services, and community outreach programs can significantly improve the quality of care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

**Call to Action:**

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