28538, Hookerton, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28538, Hookerton, North Carolina is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.73 percent of the residents in 28538 has some form of health insurance. 37.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.95 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 28538 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 551 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28538. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 336 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,034 health care providers accessible to residents in 28538, Hookerton, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Hookerton, NC (ZIP Code 28538)

The task at hand involves evaluating the landscape of Alzheimer's care within Hookerton, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28538 ZIP code. This analysis considers primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an 'Alzheimer's Score' assessment, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for individuals and families navigating this complex disease.

Hookerton, a small town in Greene County, presents a unique set of circumstances when considering Alzheimer's care. Rural communities often face significant hurdles in healthcare access, and this analysis will explore whether Hookerton reflects these broader trends. The availability of primary care physicians is a crucial starting point. Early diagnosis and ongoing management of Alzheimer's often rely on the primary care physician as the initial point of contact.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is essential. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be utilized to calculate this ratio, providing a quantitative measure of healthcare accessibility.

Identifying "standout practices" involves looking beyond simple numbers. This includes evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, particularly those with experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. Factors to consider include the presence of board-certified geriatricians, specialized memory care clinics, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems that offer comprehensive support services.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, access educational resources, and receive ongoing monitoring. The availability of telemedicine services for Alzheimer's patients in Hookerton is a key indicator of the community's preparedness to support those affected by the disease.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Both patients and caregivers experience significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services within Hookerton is crucial for providing holistic care. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and organizations like the Alzheimer's Association that offer support and education.

Analyzing the data, we can begin to formulate an Alzheimer's Score for Hookerton. This score, while not a precise numerical value, will reflect the overall strengths and weaknesses of the community's healthcare infrastructure in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The score will consider the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources.

Let's examine some potential scenarios. If Hookerton has a limited number of primary care physicians and a high physician-to-patient ratio, the score will likely be negatively impacted. If, however, a local practice has a dedicated geriatric specialist and offers telemedicine consultations, the score will improve. The presence of active support groups and readily available mental health services will also contribute to a higher score.

The analysis would involve detailed research, including contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available data, and consulting with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association. This research would help paint a comprehensive picture of the care landscape in Hookerton. The Alzheimer's Score would then be a reflection of this overall assessment.

The challenges facing Hookerton, and many rural communities, often include limited resources, a lack of specialized expertise, and the geographical isolation of patients. The opportunities lie in leveraging technology, fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, and building strong community support networks. The goal is to create a system that provides early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of Hookerton. The age distribution of the population is a key factor, as Alzheimer's is a disease that primarily affects older adults. A higher proportion of older residents may indicate a greater need for Alzheimer's care services. The socioeconomic status of the community is also relevant, as access to healthcare can be affected by financial constraints.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a static measure; it is a dynamic assessment that should be revisited periodically. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and support services emerging regularly. Regular reevaluation ensures that the score accurately reflects the current state of Alzheimer's care in Hookerton and identifies areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score analysis for Hookerton, NC (ZIP Code 28538) would provide a valuable assessment of the community's capacity to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This analysis would consider the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. It would highlight both the challenges and the opportunities for improving Alzheimer's care in this rural community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hookerton and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, clinics, and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.