28537, Hobucken, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28537, Hobucken, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 28537 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 28537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28537. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 28 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 99 health care providers accessible to residents in 28537, Hobucken, North Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28537 and Primary Care in Hobucken**

Evaluating the landscape of healthcare accessibility and resources for individuals, particularly those at risk for or living with Alzheimer's disease, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28537, encompassing the Hobucken community, to assess the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific lens on factors crucial for Alzheimer's care. The 'Alzheimer's Score' isn't a formal metric, but rather a qualitative assessment based on key indicators.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care lies in robust primary care. Early detection, ongoing management of comorbidities, and patient support are all heavily reliant on the primary care physician (PCP). In 28537, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Researching the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size provides a preliminary understanding of access. A low ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent care. The presence of specialists, such as neurologists or geriatricians, within a reasonable distance is also important. If these specialists are scarce, it can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Hobucken, being a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. These include geographical barriers, transportation limitations, and a potential shortage of healthcare professionals. Analyzing the availability of public transportation options to medical facilities is essential. The lack of reliable transportation can significantly impede access to appointments, medication refills, and support services. Furthermore, the economic status of the community plays a role. Understanding the prevalence of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries is crucial, as it can impact the financial viability of practices and the availability of specialized services.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This includes practices that offer comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive screenings, and care coordination services. These practices might also have dedicated staff trained in dementia care or partnerships with memory care specialists. Identifying these practices requires investigation into their services, patient reviews, and professional affiliations. Are they actively involved in community outreach programs focused on Alzheimer's awareness and education? Do they offer support groups for patients and caregivers?

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists and mental health services. Assessing the extent to which PCPs in 28537 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management is important. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a consideration. Without adequate internet connectivity, telemedicine's benefits are limited.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are common in individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community is crucial. Do PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health services? Are there any local support groups or counseling services specifically for individuals with dementia and their families?

Caregiver support is a vital component of the Alzheimer's care ecosystem. The burden on caregivers is often immense, and they require significant support. Assessing the availability of respite care services, home health aides, and support groups is important. Are there any local organizations that provide caregiver education and training? The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

The quality of care also depends on the integration of technology. Electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for care coordination and communication between healthcare providers. Are the PCPs in 28537 using EHRs? Do they have systems in place to share patient information with specialists and other healthcare providers? The ability to easily access and share patient information is critical for effective Alzheimer's care.

Medication management is another critical aspect of care. Ensuring that patients are taking their medications correctly and that potential drug interactions are avoided requires careful monitoring. Assessing the practices' medication reconciliation processes and their ability to provide medication counseling is important. Do they have pharmacists on staff or partnerships with local pharmacies that offer specialized services for patients with dementia?

The assessment of the 'Alzheimer's Score' for 28537 would be based on the above factors. A high score would indicate a community with good access to primary care, specialists, mental health resources, caregiver support, and telemedicine options. It would also highlight practices that are actively engaged in Alzheimer's care and utilize technology effectively. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing care and a need for improved resources and support.

To conduct a thorough analysis, research would involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and consulting with community organizations. This information would then be synthesized to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in 28537 and its capacity to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The final assessment would provide valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve the quality of care for those affected by Alzheimer's in Hobucken and the surrounding areas.

For a more detailed and visually informative perspective on the healthcare landscape in 28537 and beyond, including mapping of physician locations, healthcare facility accessibility, and demographic data relevant to Alzheimer's care, consider exploring the mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.