28546, Jacksonville, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28546, Jacksonville, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.55 percent of the residents in 28546 has some form of health insurance. 32.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.04 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 28546 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 13,800 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 28 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28546. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,489 health care providers accessible to residents in 28546, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly for communities with limited access to specialized care. This analysis delves into the availability of resources for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers within ZIP code 28546 (Jacksonville, North Carolina), focusing on primary care physician accessibility and the overall support system. We will evaluate the "Alzheimer's Score" based on various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on primary care physicians. In Jacksonville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for regular monitoring, vital for early detection and management of the disease. Data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, would be essential to accurately determine this ratio within the 28546 ZIP code. This data will be utilized to evaluate the accessibility of primary care physicians.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves looking for those with a demonstrated commitment to geriatric care and cognitive health. This includes practices that actively screen for cognitive decline, offer comprehensive assessments, and provide care coordination services. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems often have access to more resources and specialized expertise. Reviews from patients and their families, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to extend healthcare access, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. Its adoption rate within the 28546 ZIP code is a key factor in our Alzheimer's Score. Practices that offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, reduce travel burdens for patients and caregivers, and facilitate more frequent check-ins. The availability of telemedicine services, and the types of services offered (e.g., medication management, cognitive assessments), directly impacts the score.

The emotional and psychological toll of Alzheimer's on both patients and caregivers is substantial. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, a critical component of a comprehensive care system. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, support groups, and counseling services. The presence of these resources within the Jacksonville area, and their availability to residents of the 28546 ZIP code, is assessed. The proximity of these resources, their acceptance of insurance, and the availability of specialized therapists who understand the unique challenges of Alzheimer's, are all taken into account.

The presence of local support groups, such as those affiliated with the Alzheimer's Association or other community organizations, is essential. These groups provide invaluable peer support, education, and coping strategies for caregivers. The frequency of meetings, the availability of trained facilitators, and the accessibility of these groups to residents of the 28546 ZIP code are all assessed.

The availability of memory care facilities and assisted living communities within the area also plays a role. While this analysis focuses primarily on primary care and support services, the presence of high-quality long-term care options is crucial for patients who require more intensive care. The reputation of these facilities, their staffing levels, and their ability to provide specialized care for Alzheimer's patients are all considered.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. Regular updates are necessary to account for changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided by local practices and facilities.

The score is a relative measure, comparing the resources available in Jacksonville to those available in other communities. A higher score indicates a more robust and accessible system of care. A lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed. The score will be a composite, weighted based on the importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of specialized practices will be weighted heavily, while the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources will also be given significant weight.

The final Alzheimer's Score will be a valuable tool for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It will help individuals make informed decisions about their care, and it will highlight areas where improvements are needed. The score can also serve as a benchmark for measuring progress over time.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for Jacksonville, North Carolina, ZIP code 28546, is a complex evaluation of the resources available to patients and their caregivers. It considers physician accessibility, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive assessment provides a valuable snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care within the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jacksonville, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can help you visualize physician locations, facility locations, and the availability of support services.