Health Scores Near 28601, Hickory, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28601, Hickory, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 88.26 percent of the residents in 28601 has some form of health insurance. 32.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.65 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 28601 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 11,106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28601. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 9,002 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,117 health care providers accessible to residents in 28601, Hickory, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28601, Hickory, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 24 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 16 |
| Provider Score | 38 |
| Hospital Score | 30 |
| Travel Score | 69 |
| 28601 | Hickory | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly for communities lacking adequate healthcare resources. This analysis evaluates the state of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 28601 (Hickory, North Carolina) and the broader context of primary care availability in the city, using a hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" framework. This score considers various factors crucial for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Score is not a standardized metric. Instead, it is a composite of several key indicators, each contributing to an overall assessment of care quality and accessibility. The score is designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape, guiding potential improvements.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Access**
A fundamental aspect of Alzheimer's care is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Early diagnosis and ongoing management of the disease often begin with a PCP. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. In Hickory, the availability of PCPs, specifically those accepting new patients, is crucial. The Alzheimer's Score would factor in the number of PCPs per capita within 28601 and the surrounding areas, considering the potential for patients to seek care outside the immediate ZIP code. The score would also assess the ease of scheduling appointments, including wait times and the availability of same-day or urgent care options.
Furthermore, the score would analyze the distribution of PCPs across different areas within Hickory. Are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care? This spatial analysis is critical to understanding healthcare disparities.
**Specialized Care and Standout Practices**
Beyond primary care, the Alzheimer's Score evaluates the availability of specialized care. This includes neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists, all essential for diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's. The score would assess the number of specialists practicing within 28601 and nearby locations, considering their expertise in Alzheimer's and related cognitive disorders.
Standout practices are those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The Alzheimer's Score would identify practices that offer specialized memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and support services for patients and their families. These practices often integrate a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists. The score would consider the availability of these services and the practices' adoption of evidence-based practices in Alzheimer's management.
**Telemedicine Adoption**
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The Alzheimer's Score would assess the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists in Hickory. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telehealth platforms for medication management and patient education. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers who may face challenges traveling to appointments.
The score would also consider the ease of use and accessibility of telemedicine platforms, ensuring that they are user-friendly and compatible with the needs of older adults and their families.
**Mental Health Resources**
Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The Alzheimer's Score would evaluate the availability of mental health resources in Hickory. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors specializing in geriatric mental health. The score would assess the availability of support groups, counseling services for caregivers, and programs addressing behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's.
Furthermore, the score would consider the integration of mental health services within primary care practices and specialized memory clinics. This integration can improve the coordination of care and ensure that patients receive comprehensive support for their mental and emotional well-being.
**Caregiver Support and Community Resources**
Alzheimer's disease places a significant burden on caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score would assess the availability of caregiver support services in Hickory. This includes respite care, adult day care programs, and educational resources for caregivers. The score would also evaluate the availability of financial assistance programs and legal services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
Community resources, such as the Alzheimer's Association and local support groups, play a vital role in providing information, support, and advocacy. The score would consider the presence and accessibility of these resources within the community.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score and Implications**
Based on the analysis of these factors, an overall Alzheimer's Score would be assigned to the healthcare landscape in 28601 and Hickory. This score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in Alzheimer's care. A high score would indicate a well-resourced community with excellent access to care, while a low score would highlight areas needing improvement.
The implications of the score would be significant. It could guide healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in developing strategies to improve Alzheimer's care. This might involve increasing the number of specialists, expanding telemedicine services, establishing new caregiver support programs, or improving access to mental health resources. The score could also be used to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and advocate for increased funding and support for research and care.
**Call to Action**
Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for improving access to care. To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape in Hickory and surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can help you visualize physician locations, access to specialized care, and other critical factors influencing Alzheimer's care. Visit CartoChrome to discover how mapping can enhance your understanding of healthcare access and inform your decisions.
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