28540, Jacksonville, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28540, Jacksonville, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.80 percent of the residents in 28540 has some form of health insurance. 34.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.61 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 28540 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,917 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28540. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,394 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,752 health care providers accessible to residents in 28540, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Jacksonville, NC (ZIP Code 28540)

Analyzing the availability of resources for Alzheimer's care in Jacksonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28540) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians, mental health resources, telemedicine adoption, and overall physician-to-patient ratios to generate an Alzheimer's Score, providing insights into the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care begins with accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. In Jacksonville, assessing this requires examining the total number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28540 ZIP code and comparing it to the population. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau will be essential. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could signal potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments, crucial for early diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's. Furthermore, the types of primary care practices must be considered. Are there a significant number of solo practitioners, or are most physicians affiliated with larger group practices or hospital systems? Larger groups often have more resources and potentially specialized services.

Standout practices within the community warrant specific attention. Some practices may demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care through specific programs, specialized staff training, or active participation in clinical trials. Identifying these practices requires reviewing online reviews, patient testimonials, and contacting local healthcare organizations. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive memory screenings, and collaborate with specialists are likely to score higher in this analysis. Their existence would positively influence the overall Alzheimer's Score for the region.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, especially for follow-up appointments and consultations, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services requires investigating which primary care practices offer telehealth appointments and what types of technology they utilize. The ease of use and accessibility of these platforms for older adults are also important considerations. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models will contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, requiring access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Jacksonville involves assessing the number of mental health professionals practicing within the ZIP code, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., wait times, insurance acceptance). Strong collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists is crucial for comprehensive care. A robust mental health infrastructure will contribute significantly to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

Beyond the direct provision of medical care, the availability of community resources plays a vital role. This includes support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, respite care services, and educational programs. These resources can provide invaluable support and guidance to families navigating the challenges of the disease. Identifying these community resources and assessing their accessibility and capacity is an essential part of the analysis. The presence of strong community support networks will positively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for Jacksonville (28540) will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. The score will be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the strength of community support networks. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families, characterized by greater access to care, comprehensive services, and robust support systems. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

To conduct a thorough analysis, data collection will be a continuous process. Regular updates to the Alzheimer's Score are necessary to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This may include tracking the arrival of new physicians, the expansion of telemedicine services, and the development of new community resources.

This analysis is not just a snapshot of the current situation; it's a call to action. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, the community can work together to improve the quality of Alzheimer's care. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government can collaborate to address identified gaps in services and ensure that individuals with Alzheimer's and their families receive the support they need.

The final Alzheimer's Score will be a valuable tool for individuals seeking care, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It provides a clear and concise overview of the healthcare environment in Jacksonville, NC, and helps to guide efforts to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the healthcare landscape of Jacksonville and other areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. They offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the information discussed in this analysis.